Siem Reap Times

Sunday, Jun 22, 2025

0:00
0:00

Cambodia Bans New Casinos in Kep and Kampot

Government Focuses on Investment Diversification and Cultural Preservation
Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on new casino developments in Cambodia's Kep and Kampot provinces, with exceptions only for existing operations on Bokor Mountain. This decision, reported by The Phnom Penh Post, aims to promote investment diversification in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, while enhancing cultural and religious preservation, and maintaining order in tourist areas.

Currently, Cambodia has 184 licensed casinos, with 100 located in coastal regions, including Bokor Mountain. The provinces bordering Thailand host 48 casinos, and 35 are near the Vietnam border. Phnom Penh has one casino, NagaWorld, which has exclusive gaming rights within a 200km radius until 2045. The 2020 Law on Management of Commercial Gaming restricts casino operations in certain areas for cultural and religious conservation, but establishments built before the law's enactment are exempt.

In 2023, Cambodia's state revenue from commercial gaming reached over $20 million. However, critics argue that casinos do not significantly benefit the country and may lead to social issues such as debt. Cultural experts suggest that limiting new casinos reflects the country's sufficient number of existing establishments. The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia emphasizes the need to manage gambling according to legal principles to prevent citizens from engaging in gambling while recognizing its contribution to the national budget.

---
Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Thailand and Cambodia Hold Border Talks Amid Rising Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Thailand and Cambodia Convene Joint Boundary Commission Amid Rising Border Tensions
Vietnam to Raise Alcohol Tax to 90% by 2031 Under New Legislation
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Beata Thunberg Rebrands as Beata Ernman Amidst Sister's Activism Controversy
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Vietnam Confronts Rising Economic Pressures Amid Expanding U.S. Tariff Measures
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
China Releases Draft Rules on Cross-Border Automotive Data Transfers
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Rice Prices Surge in Japan Amid Supply Issues and Government Response
China-Backed Militia Oversees Rare Earth Mining Expansion in Myanmar's Shan State
Thailand-Cambodia border closure could impact trade by 500 million baht daily
Cambodia Assembles Legal Team to Reclaim Disputed Heritage Sites
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Thailand Tightens Border Restrictions with Cambodia Amid Tensions
Cambodia and Thailand Reach Agreement Amidst Border Tensions
Trump Administration Issues New Travel Ban Targeting 12 Countries
Thai Army Asserts Readiness Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
‘Vibe Coding’ Emerges as the New DIY Trend
AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Warns Models Can Deceive Users
Big Four Firms Rush to Create AI Auditing Systems
Musk’s xAI Pursues $113 Billion Valuation in New Share Sale
Walmart Increases Revenue Despite Shrinking Workforce
Hims & Hers Plans UK and EU Launch of Replica Obesity Drugs
Toyota to Acquire Supplier in $33 Billion Buyout
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
BlackRock-Backed Fintech Aims to Become Europe’s Charles Schwab
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
Cambodia Decides to Bring Border Dispute with Thailand to World Court
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
×