Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a voice message on February 14, 2024 ordering all capital and provincial governors across Cambodia to promptly inspect gambling venues and take swift action against any found to have reopened, according to Fresh News Asia1. The Phnom Penh Post reported that the same audio address instructed authorities to investigate new lottery businesses attempting to operate in their jurisdictions2.
Under the order, governors who find a venue reopening must act against it and report to the prime minister for further measures1. Hun Manet said he had issued a directive firmly ending the authorization of such gambling operations2.
"I instruct the governors of the capital and provinces to take immediate action and investigate these kinds of businesses. If you observe new lotteries opening, you must report them directly to me, so we can determine whether we shut them down in the province or nationwide"
The two accounts differ in emphasis. Fresh News Asia framed the instruction around gambling venues generally and any that are found reopening1. The Phnom Penh Post framed it around new lottery businesses specifically, and reported that Hun Manet told authorities to focus on developing their communities rather than spending time and resources on existing gambling businesses2.
Hun Manet said the current period is a critical time when all parties must unite behind the Royal Government's policy, citing physical infrastructure such as roads, electricity and canals, and the deployment of agricultural officials at the grassroots level to build local enterprises and generate jobs and income1.
"Now is not the time to divert attention to the establishment of gambling venues"
He also said Cambodia requires disciplined leadership in governing the state1. Neither report named specific venues, provinces or operators, and neither stated how many gambling venues are currently operating in Cambodia or how many have reopened. No figures for closures, fines or enforcement actions were given in either account.
What it means for players
The order targets venues that have reopened and new lottery operations, not gambling that is already licensed and running. For anyone gambling in Cambodia, the practical effect is that unlicensed or previously closed venues and newly opened lottery outlets face inspection and possible shutdown, with decisions on whether to close them taken at provincial or national level2. The reports do not say which venues are affected, so players have no published list to check against. Nothing in either account changes the rules for licensed casinos, and no new restrictions on players themselves were announced. For the legal position on what is permitted, see Cambodia's gambling law, and for who may enter casinos, see casinos in Cambodia. General entry questions are covered in Can I gamble in Cambodia?.
What happens next
Governors have been told to inspect venues promptly and report findings directly to the prime minister, who will decide whether closures are handled provincially or nationwide1. No deadline, reporting schedule or follow-up announcement has been reported.
Sources2 sources
- TOP NEWS: PM Hun Manet Orders Immediate Action against Any Gambling Venues If Found Reopening, m.en.freshnewsasia.com
- Manet orders crackdown on new lotteries - Phnom Penh Post, phnompenhpost.com
