08/17/2025
Cambodia has long been known as a regional hub for casino tourism, attracting players from neighboring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and China to its land-based casinos in places like Poipet, Bavet, and Sihanoukville. In recent years, however, the online casino sector in Cambodia has drawn increasing attention — both as an economic opportunity and as a subject of legal and political debate.
This guide offers a detailed overview of the online casino landscape in Cambodia: its history, legal framework, game offerings, payment methods, challenges, risks, and future outlook.
Cambodia legalized land-based casinos in the 1990s to boost tourism and attract foreign investment, particularly in border regions. Today, the country has over 100 licensed land casinos, often catering not to locals (who are largely prohibited from gambling) but to foreign visitors.
As internet use grew, many Cambodian casino operators expanded into the online gambling space, offering digital casino services to international players — especially from mainland China.
✅ Licensed Operations (Before 2020):
Until mid-2019, Cambodia was a major center for online casino operations targeting foreign markets. Many land-based casino licensees also held online gaming licenses, enabling them to run digital gambling platforms.
❌ Government Ban (After 2020):
In August 2019, the Cambodian government announced it would ban online gambling licenses and stop renewing existing ones, citing concerns over:
The ban took effect in January 2020, effectively shutting down Cambodia’s domestic online casino operations.
Slots:
Classic slots, video slots, megaways, and progressive jackpots.
Table Games:
Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, sic bo, craps, poker.
Live Dealer Games:
Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games with real human dealers streamed live.
Specialty Games:
Video poker, keno, bingo, crash games, and sometimes local Asian games like Dragon Tiger or Fan Tan.
⚽ Sports Betting:
Betting on international sports events, esports, and virtual sports.
While Cambodia has a cash-driven economy, many offshore online casinos accepting Cambodian players offer:
Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard).
E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz).
Bank transfers (international).
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT).
Note: Local e-wallets like Wing or ABA Pay may not be supported on international sites.
❌ No Local Regulation:
Offshore casinos are not protected by Cambodian law, and players have limited recourse in case of disputes.
❌ Scams and Unlicensed Sites:
Without a strong regulator, some platforms may operate dishonestly.
❌ Currency Conversion and Fees:
Using USD or other foreign currencies may incur extra fees.
❌ Problem Gambling Risks:
Fast, anonymous access increases the risk of overplaying and addiction.
✅ Set a budget and never exceed it.
✅ Avoid chasing losses or gambling emotionally.
✅ Take regular breaks to avoid continuous play.
✅ Use casinos with responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion.
✅ If you experience gambling problems, seek support from organizations like Gambling Therapy (international help).
Currently, the Cambodian government maintains its ban on online gambling licenses and has taken steps to shut down illegal online operations. However, some industry observers believe:
The online casino scene in Cambodia is shaped by its unique mix of history, regional dynamics, government policy, and international influence. While Cambodia once played a prominent role in the online gambling world, the 2020 crackdown has shifted operations offshore.
For Cambodian players, accessing online casinos today means dealing with foreign platforms, often beyond the reach of local laws — requiring extra caution, awareness, and responsibility.