Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on the establishment of new casinos in Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot provinces, with the sole exception of Bokor Mountain, where current casino operations will continue. According to the report of Phnom Penh Post, the directive is part of a broader strategy to diversify investments across various sectors, including hotel and hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, industry, agriculture, trade, and special economic zones (SEZs).
The Prime Minister emphasised that this ban aims to strengthen and promote cultural and religious preservation, enhance security, and improve order in tourist destinations. The government’s move reflects a commitment to ensuring that tourism and hospitality investments do not undermine the cultural and social fabric of the nation.
Casino landscape in Cambodia
As of now, Cambodia is home to 184 licenced gambling establishments. Many of these, totalling 100, are in coastal regions, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot. Additionally, there are 48 casinos in provinces bordering Thailand, 35 along the Vietnam border, and one in the capital city, Phnom Penh. These figures are provided by the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC).
Legal framework for gambling
The Law on Management of Commercial Gaming, enacted in 2020, outlines strict regulations on the location of gambling establishments to protect cultural and religious sites. Article 19 of this law prohibits casinos in certain areas for the sake of conservation and other necessities. However, Article 20 provides exceptions for casinos established before the law’s enactment. The law also strictly prohibits all forms of gambling for Cambodian citizens inside casinos, with all forms of gambling outside these establishments being illegal.
Concerns over the rise of online gambling
Earlier this month, the Cambodian government raised concerns as online gambling has seen a rise in the Southeast Asian country. Local media reported that the spokesman for the Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed that the CGMC had not issued any online gambling licences, rendering all online betting agencies illegal.
While the Cambodian government recognises the financial contributions of the casino industry, it is taking steps to ensure that this does not come at the expense of cultural integrity and social stability.
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