The General Secretariat of Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is conducting a public awareness campaign across several social media platforms, in an effort to warn people about the risk of being cheated by online advertising for illegal gambling and lotteries.

The CGMC, which operates under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, warned that specialised authorities are currently investigating several cases, and that legal action is imminent.

The secretariat explained that it has recently become aware of several online casino-style games being advertised on Facebook, Telegram and YouTube. Under the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling and the Law on the Suppression of Gambling, such games are illegal.

The CGMC believed that online advertising for gambling has a negative impact on public order, social morals and the livelihoods of many people. 

“Our authorities are conducting investigations and will pursue legal action against advertisers, operators and players, as well as anyone else involved in illegal gambling,” it said.

It called on the public to be wary of illegal gambling, saying that they should avoid taking part, or even attending venues which host such activities.

The CGMC urged the authorities at all levels to monitor gambling advertisers, operators and players, and take immediate action against any and all illegal gambling.

Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, believed that the message would serve as a effective warning to members of the public. 

He urged the authorities to shut down online gambling sites as soon as possible, warning that these cases would not disappear unless strong action is taken.

“Widespread gambling can lead to other serious social issues, such as an increase in violence and thefts. Gambling triggers many other crimes, some petty, some major,” he said.

He noted that government has taken steps to close down online gambling sites in the past, but warned that unless law enforcement operations are transparent and free from any corruption, they will be ineffective and create a complex problem for the Kingdom.

In February, Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered all capital and provincial governors to inspect gambling businesses and lotteries with expired licenses and ensure they were not still operating. If they were found to be in business, they should be shuttered immediately and the case reported to the prime minister.