Cambodia against illegal gambling

The country has suffered more than 500 cases of illegal gambling over the past 10 months.

Cambodia.- The Interior Ministry ordered security forces to act against illegal gambling as the activity keeps rising on the country: in 2016 there have been more than 500 cases. Interior Minister Sar Kheng instructed them to come together to crack down on unlicensed gambling since they’re considered a danger to security, and social and public order.

Kheng believes that illegal gambling, including sports betting and lotteries, leads to the destruction of people’s property. “When playing illegally, we must announce for them to stop and if they refuse to stop, we must confiscate or enforce any laws that are stipulated,” he said.

Kheng also commented that they must cooperate to crack down on illegal gambling and they have to manage legal gambling as well, because it conspires with the illegal activity.

The Interior Minister confirmed that he’s considering the idea of creating an independent department to supress and control different types of illegal offenses. Ministries of Economy and Interior are working together to prepare legislation on casinos so they can implement it as soon as possible. “If we want the new unit to work effectively, there must be clear training and nepotism must be avoided.”