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Hun Manet, the prime minister of Cambodia, has banned the opening of new casinos in the provinces of Kep and Kampot. Bokor Mountain in Kampot is exempt from this limitation; existing gaming establishments there will remain open.
According to the Phnom Penh Post, the goal of this move is to “ensure security and improve order” at these popular tourist locations. Additionally, the action aims to diversify Kep and Kampot investments into industries other than gaming.
Cambodia hosts 184 licensed gaming venues, according to the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia. Out of these, 100 are situated in coastal regions, including Bokor Mountain. Additionally, 48 casinos operate near the Thailand border, and 35 are along the Vietnam border.
Phnom Penh, the capital city, features the NagaWorld casino resort, managed by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp Ltd. This resort holds a long-term monopoly on casino operations within the capital.
In 2023, Cambodia’s state revenue from commercial gambling exceeded $20 million, highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to the economy.
This new ban reflects Cambodia’s efforts to balance tourism with security and diversified investments. It will be interesting to see how this decision influences the country’s economic landscape and tourist attractions moving forward.