Sports betting in Vietnam could affect Cambodia

The decree to legalise the industry would affect Cambodia’s casino business.

Cambodia.- After officials announced the implementation of a formal decree to legalise the sports betting industry in Vietnam starting on March 31, Cambodia believes that it could affect negatively its own casino business.

Ros Phirun, a deputy director-general of the Cambodian Ministry of Economy and Finance’s financial industry department, said to the Phnom Penh Post: “Changes in Vietnam gambling laws will lead to increased competition for Cambodia’s casinos and will likely affect local businesses. Cambodia’s casinos have been typically operating without much immediate regional competition.” Under the upcoming legislation, Vietnamese residents will be able to bet on several international soccer games, as well as on horse and greyhound races. The regulation will contemplate only legal gaming through land-based platforms.

“For Cambodian casinos, we allow all types of games online and that includes live betting, sports and lottery. While it is still a relatively new market it attracts a lot of Vietnamese gamers,” Phirun added. Last month, the deputy director-general said that Vietnam’s ruling to allow locals to gamble would not have a significant impact in his country’s gaming industry.