A Comprehensive Guide to Gambling and Casinos in Cambodia 

Follow me
Latest posts by Amy Potgieter (see all)

The legal framework governing gambling in Cambodia allows for the operation of a wide range of gaming establishments, provided they have applied for and been granted a gambling license. Gaming establishments, on the other hand, are not permitted to provide their services to residents of the area, but this prohibition is not strictly enforced. 

Cambodia, located on the Indochina Peninsula, has a troubled history marred by internal conflict and foreign dominance. Gambling was made a capital offense throughout the country by the Khmer Rouge government, but it was legalized again in the 1990s. On the other hand, the Law on the Suppression of Gambling was passed in 1996, nullifying all previously issued licenses and making it illegal for Cambodians to participate in virtually any type of gambling. 

For a time after other forms of gambling were banned, Cambodians were only legally permitted to gamble on slot machines. Nonetheless, even these were made illegal in 2009 in response to a series of violent conflicts sparked by gambling debts. 

Because the government did not want to lose the potential tax revenue from casinos, gambling establishments were not completely prohibited. Since then, licenses have been distributed, and there is a thriving casino industry along the country’s borders that is restricted to foreign gamblers. This is primarily because gaming regulations in neighboring countries are much stricter. 

Even though Cambodia does not have any laws directly controlling online gambling, most people believe that the 1996 Law on the Suppression of Gambling encompasses all forms of gambling and thus prohibits online gambling as well. There have been reports of internet gambling players and even operators being detained for their participation in the activity. 

Gambling at online casinos is illegal in Cambodia, and anyone who does so may face legal consequences

Gambling at traditional land-based casinos is legal in Cambodia, but Cambodian citizens are not permitted to participate in any games of chance. The Cambodian government has been able to collect a sizable sum of money through taxes levied on money spent by tourists in the country’s casinos. On the other hand, this figure is likely to fall as gambling restrictions in neighboring countries relax. However, the Cambodian government has made no consideration of making casino gambling legal for Cambodian citizens. 

Cambodia already has over fifty land-based casinos that cater to visitors from other countries. The majority of casinos are located near the country’s borders, but Phnom Penh, the capital, also has a few. The NagaWorld Casino is the most well-known and largest gambling establishment in the city. It has an eight-story entertainment wing as well as an outdoor gambling area. The casino offers hundreds of slot machines as well as table games such as poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack to its customers. 

The Law on the Suppression of Gambling makes no specific mention of gambling at online casinos anywhere in its text. However, it is still considered illegal, and Cambodian authorities frequently restrict access to international internet casinos. There have also been reports of Cambodian law enforcement officers arresting people for participating in online gambling.

More Articles That Might Interest You – New Online Slots

  1. New Online Slots
  2. The Top 10 Online 3D Slots
  3. Choosing the Best Online Casino in the United States
  4. Playing Video Games Has Various Perks
  5. The Best Gambling Books Available That You Should Read
  6. The Real Story Behind Online Casinos’ Promotions That Don’t Require a Deposit
  7. Where can I find the Black Bear Casino?
  8. The Ways to Win the Casino Jackpot

Cambodian bingo 

Bingo is legal for foreign visitors to play in Cambodia, but it is illegal for Cambodians to participate in or host bingo games. Bingo is available at several Cambodian land-based casinos, including those in Poipet (at the Star Vegas Casino), Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, the country’s capital. 

None of Cambodia’s land-based casinos, even those that do offer the traditional version of the game, offer online Bingo. Foreign bingo websites are accessible to Cambodian players; however, some of these sites are restricted, and accessing them carries some risk because the punishment can be as high as 50,000 Riels or one month in prison. 

Cambodian Poker 

Cambodians are prohibited from participating in any form of gambling, including poker, among other games, under the Law on the Suppression of Gambling. Visitors from other countries, on the other hand, are permitted to participate in any of the country’s live poker games at any of the country’s casinos, the majority of which offer Poker games. The three most popular poker variations are hold’em, Omaha, and Caribbean Stud. 

Even though it is not expressly prohibited, online poker is likely illegal in Cambodia. Cambodian players who are willing to take a chance, on the other hand, have a plethora of options when it comes to online Poker sites. They should keep in mind, however, that the penalty for engaging in online gambling can range from 50,000 Riels to one month in prison. 

Sports betting is legal in Cambodia

Sports betting is illegal in Cambodia, even though it is extremely popular. Cambodians bet on a wide range of sporting events, from cockfights to boat races to football matches, and sports betting is considered somewhat of a tradition in the country. Because sports betting does not appear to be offered at Cambodian casinos, visitors from other countries may have difficulty finding legal ways to wager on sporting events while in the country. 

Online sports betting is also illegal, even though Cambodian players have access to a plethora of international sports betting websites. 

Cambodia’s take on the lottery 

Traditional lotteries are permitted in Cambodia, and the country even has its national lottery, the Pan Cambodian Lottery. There is a lottery website, but it does not currently list any of the available games. Of course, this means that there is no way to play the lottery online. The proceeds from the sale of tickets go to Cambodian social welfare projects. 

The Cambodian market is completely dominated by the national lottery, which has a monopoly. Cambodian gamblers have no legitimate options for playing lottery games online because they do not offer an online license or version. Cambodians have access to several offshore online lottery sites; however, some of these sites may be illegal, and players may face legal consequences. 

Bitcoin gambling is legal in Cambodia

Because a Bitcoin exchange business has been established in Cambodia and the use of Bitcoin is not illegal in Cambodia, it is safe to say that people in Cambodia are familiar with cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin gambling, on the other hand, is illegal because it falls under the overall prohibition on gambling outlined in the Law on the Suppression of Gaming. Due to the anonymity that comes with gambling with Bitcoin, Cambodians may be able to play at overseas Bitcoin casinos; however, some sites may be blacklisted, and players may be prosecuted for online gambling; this has already happened in the past.

Related Posts