The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) shut down 79 illegal online gambling websites that they said were causing harm to Cambodians and undermining social security.

In a press release on November 16, TRC said a total of 79 websites were shut down after they were found to be running illegal online gambling operations in Cambodia.

“TRC will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Interior and National Police, relevant authorities and all operators of telecommunications networks to ban these websites from operating illegal online gambling services,” the press release said.

TRC added that online gambling ran counter to the government’s decree issued on August 18, 2019, regarding the management of electronic gambling businesses operating in Cambodia via the internet.

“This activity causes harm to social security and to public order,” TRC said.

TRC also called on the public to report any information they have about online gambling operations via the 6789 hotline during working hours or through the TRC’s Facebook page.

San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, said gambling remained a problem in Cambodian society due to a lack of knowledge about its harms and a lack of livelihoods that left too many people idle.

He said closing down gambling operations was a good policy to help reduce the risks gambling posed to society, especially young people, who more easily fall into its trap.

“We know that gambling attracts many young people who become so enthusiastic about it because it is an addiction for them with an effect on their brains that is similar to drugs.

“They make their parents and guardians lose money and property and they suffer from mental illness as well. Gambling is a plague on the happiness of families in Cambodia society,” he said.