Online poker is illegal in Cambodia for local residents under the 1996 Law on Suppression of Gambling, which prohibits all forms of gambling for Cambodian citizens. The country banned online gambling completely in 2020, though land-based casino poker remains legal exclusively for foreign tourists in licensed establishments (1). Cambodia operates approximately 193 licensed casinos that cater to international visitors, but locals are strictly prohibited from participating in any gambling activities.
The Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling (LMCG), promulgated in 2020, serves as the primary regulatory framework governing gambling activities in Cambodia. This comprehensive legislation established structured licensing systems for casino operators while maintaining the prohibition on gambling for Cambodian nationals (2). The Ministry of Tourism oversees casino operations as part of the country's strategy to boost economic growth and promote tourism through integrated commercial gambling centers.
"This law is aimed to ensure management of the integrated commercial gambling centres and commercial gambling to contribute towards boosting economic growth, promoting the tourism sector, creating more jobs, collecting revenue."
Despite the strict legal prohibitions for locals, enforcement remains inconsistent, and some Cambodians continue to access international online poker platforms or gamble at casinos through various means. The government has intensified crackdowns on illegal gambling operations and deported foreign nationals involved in unauthorized online gambling activities. However, the dual nature of Cambodia's gambling laws creates a unique environment where poker is readily available to foreigners in licensed venues while remaining completely prohibited for the local population both online and offline.
Source:
https://belaws.com/cambodia/commerical-gaming-law-cambodia/
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50770069/sure-bet-legislation-na-approves-draft-law-on-managing-commercial-gambling-to-boost-economy/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
