Cambodia’s gambling sector has come under pressure amid an escalating border conflict with Thailand.

Tensions remain high at the border, with a Cambodian soldier killed in a shootout in May. The incident marked yet another chapter in the long-standing territorial dispute, which appears far from being resolved. In response, Thai authorities imposed a ban preventing their citizens from crossing into Cambodia.

The restriction has dealt a serious blow to the economy of Poipet — a Cambodian city known for its casinos and gambling establishments, where many Thai nationals had previously been employed.

According to the Thai military, which issued the order, the measure was introduced solely to ensure the safety of Thai citizens.

The conflict continues against the backdrop of a historical dispute over control of the border area — a source of repeated political flare-ups and instability in the region.

Additionally, the situation has negatively affected the operations of the popular Star Vegas Resort, which has seen a significant downturn due to tighter border controls imposed by Thailand — a trend reflected in its financial performance.

Notably, as a result of new regulatory measures introduced amid the border conflict, the casino saw a 62% reduction in staff — making it one of the hardest-hit establishments.

The Thai and Cambodian governments’ stated intentions to resolve the situation have been welcomed by the gambling sector, which is hoping for a swift return to full-scale operations.

Despite ongoing challenges, the situation highlights strong demand from Thai citizens for land-based casinos — a factor that has likely prompted regulators to modernize the legal framework for integrated resorts.

In a recent statement, Ed Bowers, President of Global Development at MGM Resorts, urged the Thai government to allow citizens to access casino resorts.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Bowers emphasized that the successful development of the sector is only possible through close cooperation between the government and private operators — a partnership that would help unlock the industry’s full economic potential.

He also noted that restricting casino access to tourists only creates significant barriers for companies looking to establish and grow their presence in the region.