Licensed casinos in Cambodia linked to abuse sites despite crackdown, says Amnesty International
Summary
Amnesty International’s new investigation finds at least 12 government‑approved casino complexes in Cambodia overlap with compounds where survivors report forced labour, human trafficking, torture and child exploitation. The NGO cross‑checked survivor testimony (dating from 2022 onwards), satellite imagery and Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) licensing documents to identify these overlaps. Sites named include Crown Bavet, New Venetian (Bavet) and several other properties operated by Cambodian companies with reported links to Chinese ownership or management.
The report highlights alleged incidents as recently as late 2025 and notes that several casino development plans were recognised by the CGMC in December 2025 and January 2026 — months when authorities were allegedly cracking down on scam operations. Amnesty calls for immediate suspension of the licences at identified sites and an independent criminal investigation. At the time of publication, Amnesty said it had not received responses from the CGMC or the companies named.
Key Points
- Amnesty identified at least 12 licensed casino complexes overlapping with scamming compounds where serious abuses were reported.
- Survivor testimony details forced labour, torture (including electric shocks), detention, child exploitation and coerced bank account usage for money laundering.
- One site, Crown Bavet Casino, was linked to alleged abuses as recently as late 2025; victims identified buildings with photos taken during confinement.
- Amnesty cross‑referenced testimony with satellite imagery and official CGMC licensing maps to demonstrate the overlaps.
- Several casino development plans were recognised by the regulator during a period described as a nationwide crackdown, raising questions about licence approvals and regulatory processes.
- The NGO calls for licence suspensions and a full, independent investigation into potential criminal liability of owners, financiers and operators.
- The findings increase reputational, AML and compliance risks for the regional casino sector under UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Context and relevance
This investigation builds on Amnesty’s June 2025 work into Cambodia’s scamming industry and emphasises a troubling intersection between licensed gambling operations and transnational scam networks. For regulators, operators and international partners, the report moves the issue beyond isolated enforcement into systemic regulatory accountability and cross‑border crime considerations. As Asian regulators tighten AML and KYC standards, such findings could spur further scrutiny, sanctions or enforcement actions against implicated operators and their financial links.
Why should I read this
Because it’s ugly and it matters — licensed casinos might be providing cover for horrific abuses. If you care about compliance, reputational risk or the health of the regional gaming market, this is one of those stories that explains why regulators and operators are suddenly on edge. Amnesty’s work saves you the legwork: it links survivors, satellite evidence and licensing records to show how problems persist despite a supposed crackdown.
Author style
Punchy: This is essential reading. The piece flags a potential systemic failure where licensing and enforcement don’t align with human rights obligations — a red flag for investors, operators and regulators. If you manage risk or compliance, prioritise the full report and monitor responses from the CGMC and named companies.