Amnesty Uncovers Human Rights Abuses in Cambodian Casinos
Amnesty reports human rights abuses in 12 Cambodian casinos.
Why it matters: Foreign investors face legal and compliance risks, highlighting the need for due diligence in Cambodian projects.
- Amnesty cites abuses in 12 Cambodian casinos.
- Violations include forced labor and child trafficking.
- Licenses granted for projects in 2025 and 2026 despite abuses.
- No labor trafficking prosecutions in Cambodia since 2022.
An Amnesty International report reveals systematic human rights abuses at twelve Cambodian casinos, naming heinous violations such as forced labor, child trafficking, and torture.
Despite these serious allegations, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) granted licenses for new casino projects in 2025 and 2026. The report highlights these approvals occurred even when evidence linked casino properties to abusive activities at scamming compounds, particularly at Crown casinos in Poipet, Bavet, and Chrey Thum.
The report features interviews with 58 survivors who disclosed 11 instances of abuse within CGMC-licensed casinos, characterized by forcible confinement and threats such as electric shocks at Crown Resorts in Poipet.
Amnesty underscores the Cambodian authorities’ inaction, noting no prosecutions for labor trafficking since 2022. This inactivity calls into question the regulatory environment and poses considerable risks for foreign investors regarding compliance and potential reputational damage.
As corporate entities assess their operations in Cambodia, these revelations underscore the importance of rigorous due diligence and the consideration of ethical practices in investment decisions.
By the numbers:
- 12 casinos — linked to human rights abuses according to Amnesty.
- 2025-2026 — Years when casino licenses were granted over Amnesty's concerns.
- 0 — Prosecutions for labor trafficking in Cambodia since 2022.