Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has banned the establishment of any new casinos in the provinces of Kep and Kampot, citing a need to focus on diversifying investment into other tourism opportunities.
According to The Phnom Penh Post, the order was given recently with the aim to strengthen and promote cultural and religious preservation, ensure security and improve order in tourist destinations.
Specifically, the Prime Minister wants to “diversify investment in hotel and hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, industry, agriculture, trade and special economic zones [SEZs],” the order said.
Cambodia is currently home to 184 licensed gaming establishments of which the majority are located along its borders with Thailand and Vietnam, or in coastal areas such as Sihanoukville.
The media outlet noted that Article 19 of the Law on Management of Commercial Gaming, promulgated in 2020, prohibits such gaming establishments in certain geographical locations due to cultural and religious reasons although those already in existence are exempt in certain cases.
Ros Phirun, Secretary General of the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC), told IAG late last year that the number of licensed casinos across the kingdom will eventually be slashed to “around 50” one the new gaming law is fully enacted, although this will likely take many years to realize.
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