The Daun Penh district administration in Phnom Penh warned of legal action against the owners of seven establishments in Wat Phnom, Phsar Thmei I, Phsar Kandal and Srah Chak suspected of running illegal online gambling operations. The action came after authorities shut these locations on July 3.

Municipal police spokesman San Sok Seiha told The Post on July 4 that the crackdown came after the district authority instructed owners to stop illegal online gambling.

“Police did not detain any suspects, but instructed them not to engage in illegal online gambling activities, which is contrary to the instructions of the municipal administration,” he said.

On the evening of July 3, district governor Sok Penh Vuth assigned his deputy Mok Chankurana to lead a joint force to shut down the locations where payment accounts for illegal online gambling on mobile phones were created.

“The establishments operate by using a computer to close a door after entry. The door is locked and players can then top up their account. Once players have topped up their account, they can gamble on their phone.

“The authorities decided to lock the houses. If owners do not follow the administration’s instructions, we will implement strict administrative measures and district police will detain and refer the case to court,” the district administration said.