Cambodia strengthens gaming framework

Cambodia approved the creation of a national organisation to control the gaming industry.

Cambodia.- Whilst Cambodian legislators are debating on new gaming laws, the Prime Minister Hun Sen recently approved the creation of a new national department to control financial activity of casinos and gaming businesses. The government has decided to set stronger regulations after noting a continuous increment among illegal gaming services.

Under a sub-decree signed by the Prime Minister, Cambodia will count on anti-commercial gambling department to control the industry’s financial transactions and deals. The department will depend on the Cambodia Interior Ministry under the National Police’s central security department.

The new Cambodian department will be in charge of “research, investigation and suppression of money laundering offenses related to gambling in casinos and entertainment clubs.” Furthermore, the authorities will control the entry of banned residents to casinos. Under the upcoming gaming law, the department would also be able to set higher taxes for casino operators and a unique payment option controlled by the government.

The Asian country has proposed several amendments on its gaming framework since 2014. According to Ros Phearun, an official from the Cambodia Ministry of Economy and Finance, the approval would be set next year. The government has held meetings with representatives of the 65 operating casinos in the country to discuss the situation.