Cambodia is located in the southern part of Indochina Peninsula with Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast while the southern part of the country touches the Gulf of Thailand. Nevertheless, Cambodia has become a promising market for gambling, although the activity is only available for foreign clients. This article discusses Cambodia bookmakers, gambling laws, history of gambling laws, gambling authorities, licensing, taxation and much more.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Cambodia
Cambodia has gone through a long process of how the laws of gambling have changed and developed over the years due to internal and external factors. Below is a timeline highlighting critical milestones:
- July 3, 2020: The Royal Government of Cambodia’s Council of Ministers enacted the Law on the Management of Integrated Resorts and Commercial Gambling (LMCG). This legislation was meant to provide frameworks and guidelines on the management of the gaming industry.
- October 20, 2020: The CGMC’s General Secretariat released new regulations for casinos in Cambodia with emphasis on licensing and taxation.
- February 19, 2021: The CGMC issued a directive to clamp down on the unlawful gambling operations, with Aun Pornmoniroth’s signature on it.
Gambling Zones
To organize and control gambling activities, Cambodia has been divided into specific zones:
- Prohibited Zones: To maintain cultural and religious integrity it is prohibited to gamble in the following zones. Notably, Angkor Wat falls within this category.
Permitted Zones: Activities that are allowed in the casino and betting. These zones include:
- Coastal provinces of Sihanouk and Koh Kong
- Border towns such as Bavet and Poipet
Favored Zones: New Integrated Resorts under the gaming law which aims to achieve controlled growth.
Regulatory Agencies of Cambodia Bookmakers
The regulation of gambling activities is under the authority of the Commercial Gambling Committee of Cambodia (CGCC). The CGCC is responsible for:
- Granting of licenses connected with different forms of commercial gambling.
- Maintaining legal gambling.
- Carrying out routine checks to curb the vices.
Licensing
The licensing in Cambodia is divided in such a way that property development and casino operation are two different entities to avoid the problem of the world’s casino hub – Macau which was controlled by the same entity – Stanley Ho. Below are the details:
- Integrated Resort Development Agreement: It is necessary for those who are involved in the creation of new properties.
- Casino License: Issued for a fixed amount of time:
- Favored Zones: For up to 5 years
- Promoted Zones: up to 20 years
- Junket Licenses: Sold for one year and required for operators who extend credit for gaming to foreigners.
Fees and Taxes
The tax structure for gambling operations in Cambodia includes:
- VIP Segment: 4%
- Mass Market: 7%
It is also important for the licensed casino operators to pay taxes fully and on time or else they will face the law and regulations.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Prohibited Bets: Cambodians are prohibited from gambling or visiting casinos in the country or any other place.
Allowed Bets:
- Games of chance, betting on sports and other similar activities are allowed if they are played within the casino.
- Junkets can provide credit for gaming to foreign people who do not reside in Cambodia.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is among the most popular forms of gambling that is practiced in Cambodia particularly by foreigners. Here’s a closer look at its components:
- Sports Events: For instance, during key games such as international football games, there is usually a lot of betting.
- Bookmakers: Cambodia bookmakers are able to provide a number of betting options, including conventional sports and specific markets.
- Regulation: Sports betting also comes under the LMCG and is regulated by the CGCC to ensure that the sports betting is fair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cambodia has adopted its gambling laws cautiously and strategically to ensure that it fosters economic development while at the same time promoting and protecting the cultural heritage and interests of its people and institutions. Being a tourist and a gaming destination, the country still attracts investors and tourists looking for a unique gaming destination. It is important to establish legal background information for anyone who wants to venture into Cambodia bookmakers and Cambodia sports betting.
FAQ for Cambodia Bookmakers
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