Amnesty International report claims licences of 12 Cambodian casinos recently renewed despite clear evidence of human rights abuses
Summary
Global human rights organisation Amnesty International says it has linked 12 Cambodian casinos to scamming compounds where torture, forced labour, child labour and human trafficking took place. The report alleges Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) renewed the licences for these sites in December 2025 and January 2026 even as the government announced a nationwide crackdown on scam centres.
Amnesty matched CGMC maps with satellite imagery, conducted site visits and interviewed survivors who described being confined on casino grounds, threatened with electric-shock batons and coerced into opening bank accounts likely used for laundering. Casinos named include Crown Resorts (Poipet, Bavet, Chrey Thum), Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino (Sihanoukville), the New Venetian and several others, many with links to China.
Key Points
- Amnesty links 12 casinos to scamming compounds where severe abuses — including torture and forced labour — are documented.
- The CGMC reportedly approved licence renewals in December 2025 and January 2026 despite the evidence and a stated nationwide crackdown.
- Evidence combines official CGMC maps, satellite imagery, site visits and testimony from dozens of survivors.
- Survivors reported confinement on casino property, electric shocks, forced bank-account creation and likely money laundering.
- Named sites include Crown Resorts (Poipet, Bavet, Chrey Thum), Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino (Sihanoukville), New Venetian and others.
- Amnesty demands immediate suspension of the gambling licences, a full independent investigation and accountability for owners, financiers and operators.
- Amnesty’s June 2025 report previously identified more than 50 scamming compounds; some enforcement followed but critics say it has been insufficient.
Context and relevance
This sits at the crossroads of gaming, regulation and human rights. For operators, investors and regulators it raises serious compliance, legal and reputational risks: a valid licence can be used to legitimise operations even where grave abuses are alleged. The allegations also test Cambodia’s enforcement claims after its announced crackdown and signal heightened scrutiny from international NGOs and potentially foreign law enforcement.
Why should I read this?
Quick and blunt: it’s grim and it matters. Licences apparently renewed while people were allegedly tortured and trafficked — that’s not just bad publicity, it could mean criminal exposure and huge reputational damage. If you work in Asian gaming, compliance, due diligence or supply chains, the names, dates and evidence Amnesty sets out are worth scanning. We read the heavy stuff so you don’t have to — but don’t skip the details if this could touch your business.