Live and Online Poker in Cambodia: Laws, Venues & Events
Cambodia has cemented its place as a major poker hub in Southeast Asia, driven by a large casino industry that primarily serves international visitors. While strict rules apply to local citizens, foreign players can take part in high-stakes cash games and major tournament festivals in Phnom Penh and the fast-growing coastal city of Sihanoukville.
Cambodia: The Foreigners-Only Gaming Landscape
- The Legal Divide: Under the 1996 Law on Suppression of Gambling and the more recent Law on Management of Commercial Gaming (2020), gambling is strictly illegal for Cambodian citizens. However, the country hosts approximately 184 licensed gaming halls designed for foreign passport holders, who can play legally upon reaching the age of 18.
- Phnom Penh’s Exclusive Zone: The capital’s gaming scene is dominated by NagaWorld, which holds an exclusive 70-year license to operate within a 200km radius of the city until 2065. This creates a unique monopoly that has turned Phnom Penh into a premier stop for major international poker tours.
- Regulatory Tightening: In 2026, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has intensified oversight, recently suspending five casino licenses to ensure operators adhere strictly to transparency and safety laws.
PRIMARY HUBS
Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville
KEY VENUE
NagaWorld Integrated Resort
ADMISSION
Foreigners Only (18+)
2026 Major Poker Festivals
Cambodia’s 2026 calendar features several high-profile international series, particularly at its flagship integrated resort:
NagaWorld (Phnom Penh): As the heart of Cambodian poker, NagaWorld hosted a massive World Poker Tour (WPT) Cambodia festival from January 20 to February 8, 2026. The venue is also the home for the Gods of Poker (GOP) festival from March 26 to April 5, 2026, featuring events like the “Olympians” flight and various High Roller challenges.
Sihanoukville Hubs: The coastal city continues to be a destination for regional tournament series. Venues like Jin Bei Palace Hotel and Won Majestic frequently host events, including the Won Poker Cup IV scheduled for April 2026.
2026 Key Dates & Events
WPT Cambodia 2026
(Jan 20 – Feb 8, 2026): A major series at NagaWorld featuring dozens of events, including the WPT Prime Championship.
Gods of Poker
(March 26 – April 5, 2026): A high-profile festival at NagaWorld with multiple PLO and High Roller events.
Won Poker Cup IV
(April 6 – 13, 2026): A significant regional series hosted in Sihanoukville.
Online Poker in Cambodia
Online Poker Legislation in Cambodia
The online poker landscape in Cambodia is strictly prohibited following a major policy shift.
- The 2019 Ban: Cambodia formally banned all online gambling in 2019, stopping the issuance and renewal of interactive gaming licenses. As of 2026, the government remains committed to this ban to combat cybercrime and illegal scam operations.
- Enforcement Crackdowns: Authorities have intensified raids on illegal online betting networks and cyber-scam hubs, particularly in Sihanoukville and Svay Rieng province. Banks are often instructed to monitor and block transactions linked to unauthorized gambling platforms.
- Gray Market Activity: Despite the ban, many international online platforms continue to target users in the region, though players do so without any local legal protection or regulatory recourse.
Best Online Poker Sites in Cambodia
Live Poker in Cambodia
Live Poker Guide: Cambodia
Live poker is thriving within the “foreigner-only” resort framework, offering some of the most competitive game structures in Asia.
- Cash Game Action: NagaWorld boasts one of Southeast Asia’s largest poker rooms with 11+ tables running 24/7. Games range from low-stakes 1/3 No Limit to high-stakes 100/200+ No Limit, with Pot Limit Omaha and Short Deck (6+) running on demand.
- Player Incentives: To attract international grinders, venues like NagaWorld offer “Play & Stay” promotions, where a set number of hours at the cash game tables can earn players free nights in the hotel.
- Rake Structure: Cambodian poker rooms are noted for having some of the lowest rake structures in Southeast Asia, making them a favorite for professional cash game players.
Google Map
Venues in Cambodia
![Cambodia [KHM]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/kh.svg "Cambodia [KHM]"){kind=small}
Festivals at Cambodia
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Andrei Kalgin Wins WPT Prime Cambodia Championship for $164,570; $1.5M Championship Begins
WPT Cambodia Day 13 Sees Prime Championship Down to Final 15
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![Cambodia [KHM]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/kh.svg "Cambodia [KHM]"){kind=small}
