Two online gambling promotions which were sent by text to a private citizen’s phone. Post Staff
Following a seven-day grace period, authorities are preparing to take legal action against the online promotion of illegal gambling. Minister of Interior Sar Sokha issued a December 4 directive banning such activities, with the proviso that action will be taken against those who disregard his instructions.
Interior ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak confirmed that following the week-long grace period, the authorities are actively implementing legal measures.
Speaking to The Post on December 11, Sokhak said: “Since the directive was issued, we have observed that approximately 80 to 90 per cent of the relevant parties have complied. During this time, national police forces at the local administrative level have been actively engaging with those involved to provide direct guidance.”
“Now that the grace period has ended, authorities will continue working against individuals engaging in illegal activities. If violations are clearly identified, we will build cases against them, which could involve police action or even legal proceedings,” he added.
Sokhak said officials are preparing detailed reports on any and all websites or social media accounts which facilitate gambling, and will collaborate with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to shut them down.
He added that the interior minister will review the reports and decide on the next steps. However, as of December 11, no legal action has been reported against any individual.
In the recent past, illegal gambling promotions were commonly observed both online and offline, including through social media, mobile text messages and even advertisements placed on tuk-tuks.
Pech Pisey, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, expressed support for the ban, calling it a positive step. However, he emphasised that effective enforcement and monitoring are crucial to ensuring the success of the measures.
“If there is evidence of continued illegal online gambling activities, the law must be enforced effectively to ensure violators are held accountable. A combination of public education and strict enforcement is necessary,” he said.
Today, December 11, the Phnom Penh administration issued a directive calling on the municipal authorities to strictly implement the directive. All gambling promotion, either online and offline must be prevented, according to the instructions issued by Phnom Penh city governor Khuong Sreng.
The crackdown on the promotion of illegal gambling represents the government's commitment to curbing unlawful activities, protecting public safety and fostering a policy of safe villages and communes throughout the Kingdom, it added.
