Cambodia sets requirements for new and existing casinos

Authorities in Cambodia have announced a new minimum capital requirement of KHR800bn (US$200m) for integrated commercial gambling centres.

Cambodia.- Hun Sen, Cambodia’s Prime Minister, has set new minimum capital requirements for future and existing casinos. According to local media reports, Decree No. 166 establishes a minimum capital requirement of KHR800bn (US$200m) for integrated commercial gambling centres and KHR400bn for other gambling venues.

Existing casinos have been granted a grace period to meet the minimum capital requirements, which will include five stages of 15 years. The first phase from the first to third years will have a requirement of KHR50bn.

Mey Vann, Secretary of State, told Phnom Penh Post the new requirements are in response to the level of economic growth and are aimed at improving the management of Cambodia’s casino sector under the Integrated Resorts and Commercial Gambling Management Act (LMCG). 

The government has been studying how to better regulate the industry and ban online gambling business, which was made illegal in 2020. Casinos that cannot meet the new capital requirements will not obtain a new business licence.

Cambodia eases Covid-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors

Business travellers and certain professional experts who arrive in Cambodia will need need to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine instead of 14 days. The Cambodian prime minister, Hun Sen, said the measure would apply for those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. 

The plan covers foreign investors, “technical experts”, cooperative project managers and coordinators and business travellers who have received guarantees or invitations from local companies. 

Accompanying family members are also entitled to a shortened isolation period provided they have been fully vaccinated. 

Other inbound travellers who have been fully vaccinated, such as Cambodians and foreign nationals, need only quarantine for 7 days instead of 14 days when they arrive in Cambodia. 

All inbound travellers must present a negative Covid-19 test issued within 72 hours before arriving in the country.