Cambodia’s regulated gambling sector posted a 14% rise in revenue in 2025, even as authorities intensified crackdowns on cybercrime and illegal gambling networks, and the country faced border tensions with Thailand.
According to data from the Cambodian Commercial Gaming Commission (CGMC), the country collected 290.7 billion riels ($72 million) in mandatory revenue last year, up 14% from 2024. That marks a year-on-year increase of about 35.8 billion riels, or around $8.9 million.
By the end of 2025, Cambodia had 195 licensed casinos, including 160 of them in Preah Sihanouk province, the long-time centre of the country’s casino industry.
Enforcement activity intensified over the same period. In February, regulators announced the suspension and revocation of five casino licences, warning that breaches of the Law on Commercial Gambling Management could result in fines or permanent closure.
Throughout 2025, authorities carried out raids targeting cyber-scam operations, illegal online betting networks and money laundering activities linked to casino properties. Several casinos in Sihanoukville and Svay Rieng province had their licences suspended or revoked following police investigations.
One large operation resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of computers and mobile devices allegedly connected to cyber fraud networks.
The Cambodian Commission for Combating Cybercrime coordinated with provincial courts and national police in a series of joint operations, particularly in border areas. Telecommunications restrictions were reportedly introduced in certain locations to disrupt suspected fraud networks.
International scrutiny also increased, with the United States and the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on Cambodian operators and individuals accused of involvement in cross-border scams and money laundering.
Tensions with Thailand added to the sector’s challenges. Armed clashes occurred near Poipet, a key casino hub reliant on Thai visitors, while checkpoint closures and tighter security disrupted cross-border travel. Thai authorities also issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian casino figure over alleged links to cross-border scams.
Despite the diplomatic pressures, official figures indicate that the licensed sector continued to grow. Analysts attribute the revenue increase to stricter compliance among remaining operators and improved revenue collection mechanisms, rather than a surge in gambling demand.
The government has signalled that enforcement efforts will continue as it seeks to reshape the industry into a more transparent and tightly regulated sector.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/26/117780-cambodia-gambling-revenue-rises-14-in-2025-despite-crackdowns-and-border-tensions
