It seems that the gambling and casino industry is slowly entering a tough time. At least a recent decision of the PM of Cambodia points towards this fact. Casinos have always ignited popular imagination since its beginning days. However, the decision of Hun Manet serves as a warning sign for the industry.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has banned new casinos in Kep and Kampot provinces. The only exception is Bokor Mountain, where casinos already operate. Cambodia has 184 licensed gambling establishments nationwide. Manet said the ban is to encourage investment in other areas like hotels, tourism, manufacturing, industry, agriculture, trade, and special economic zones (SEZs). The ban also aims to preserve culture and religion, ensure security, and improve order in tourist spots.
Most of Cambodia’s 100 coastal casinos are in Kampot, including Bokor Mountain. There are 48 casinos near Thailand, 35 near Vietnam, and one in Phnom Penh, according to the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC). The 2020 Law on Management of Commercial Gaming bans casinos in certain areas to protect cultural and religious sites. However, it allows exceptions for casinos built before the law was enacted.
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