visa-admin
Updated 2026-09-16 5 min
In short
- ●Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that no new casino licenses will be granted in Siem Reap.
- ●A national review of Cambodia's more than 100 existing casinos has been ordered to assess their necessity.
- ●The announcement was made at the inauguration of Luang Mae Hospital on September 16, 2026.
- ●The decision protects Siem Reap's heritage image and could curb gambling-related real estate speculation.
0
New casino licenses in Siem Reap
September 16, 2026
Announcement date
Luang Mae Hospital, Siem Reap
Announcement location
Phnom Penh Post
Source
Key facts at a glance
- Zero new licenses. Prime Minister Hun Manet has ruled out any new casino permits in Siem Reap province.
- Over 100 establishments affected. A national review of existing casinos in Cambodia has been ordered to determine whether their number is justified.
- September 16, 2026. The announcement was made at the inauguration of Luang Mae Hospital in Siem Reap.
- National scope. The review covers the entire Kingdom, not just Siem Reap, with a focus on economic and social relevance.
- Heritage signal. The decision aims to preserve Angkor's image and curb gambling-related real estate speculation.
How it unfolded
The announcement is part of a sequence of regulatory clarification for Siem Reap and Cambodia's gambling sector.
- Before 2026: Cambodia has over 100 licensed casinos, mainly concentrated at borders and in special economic zones.
- 2025-2026: Informal discussions on regulating the sector emerge, driven by heritage and security concerns.
- September 16, 2026: At the inauguration of Luang Mae Hospital, Hun Manet states that no new casino licenses will be granted in Siem Reap.
- September 16, 2026: The Prime Minister orders a comprehensive review of the more than 100 existing licenses to assess their necessity.
- Upcoming: Authorities are expected to publish evaluation criteria and a review timeline in the coming months.
- Expected follow-up: Operators and investors will need to comply with new guidelines, with possible impact on ongoing projects.
Breakdown
The review ordered by the Prime Minister covers all casino licenses in Cambodia. Here is how the issue breaks down by segment.
| Segment | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Existing casinos in Cambodia | 100+ | Active licenses nationwide, mainly at borders and economic zones. |
| New licenses in Siem Reap | 0 | Ban announced by Hun Manet on September 16, 2026. |
| Siem Reap province | Excluded | No new permits, protection of Angkor's heritage image. |
| Real estate investors | Direct impact | Expected slowdown in gambling-related speculation in the province. |
| Tourism sector | Heritage focus | Strategy clarification: cultural tourism rather than gambling. |
What it means on the ground in Siem Reap
- Real estate: Speculation tied to casino projects is expected to slow, which could stabilize prices in some neighborhoods.
- Tourism: The shift toward heritage and culture is reinforced, a positive signal for guides, hoteliers, and restaurateurs.
- Investments: Gambling-related projects in the province are now clearly excluded; investors must redirect their plans.
- Regulatory framework: The national review of 100+ licenses could lead to closures or compliance measures, with effects on local employment.
- Daily life: Less pressure on infrastructure and the environment, in a province already prized for its quality of life.
How to avoid trouble
- Step 1: Verify the legality of any real estate or business project tied to gambling before investing in Siem Reap.
- Step 2: Check official government announcements and Phnom Penh Post publications to follow the license review's progress.
- Step 3: If you work in a gambling establishment, prepare for regulatory changes by diversifying your skills.
- Step 4: For expat homeowners, avoid rushed transactions based on casino development rumors.
- Step 5: Focus on sectors aligned with the heritage strategy: cultural tourism, hospitality, restaurants, and visitor services.
- Step 6: If in doubt about an opportunity, seek advice from a local lawyer specializing in business and real estate law.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Siem Reap excluded from new casinos?
Prime Minister Hun Manet explained that the province must preserve its heritage image linked to the Angkor site, which drives its tourism. The goal is to prevent gambling development from harming that reputation.
How many casinos are affected by the national review?
More than 100 establishments hold casino licenses in Cambodia. The ordered review aims to determine whether this number is necessary and whether existing licenses meet economic and social criteria.
Does this mean existing casinos in Siem Reap will close?
Not necessarily. The review is national and does not imply automatic closure. It could lead to compliance measures or non-renewals, but no closure decisions have been announced at this stage.
What is the impact for real estate investors in Siem Reap?
The decision is expected to curb speculation tied to casino projects. Investors are encouraged to turn to sectors aligned with the province's heritage and tourism strategy.
Where can I find official information about this review?
Official announcements are published by the Cambodian government and relayed by media such as the Phnom Penh Post. Following these sources is advised to learn the review's timeline and criteria.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia