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Cambodia’s gambling world is going to be quite serious in the future. The Commission for Commercial Gambling Management of Cambodia (CGMC) is not joking anymore as it has put up its offices inside casinos. Yes, they confirmed they have set up 13 onsite offices in licensed casinos across the country. This is a huge step showing how seriously Cambodia takes its gambling sector regulation.
Why Onsite Offices?
What do those onsite offices get for life? According to CGMC, they are to see whether everyone plays within the framework. As far as casino operations are concerned, it means ensuring legality, improving administrative procedures, and advising operators and license holders. It’s like having a referee right there on the field, ensuring no one cheats.
Specifically, the offices will be responsible for:
- Ensuring casinos comply with all rules and regulations.
- Enhancing the internal management of casinos.
- Assisting casino operators to understand what steps must be taken to maintain legality.
- Establishing a Casino Management System (CMS) to track everything.
A Pilot Program Goes Live
This was not an idea that just came up, but rather part of Cambodia’s Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling, which dates back to 2020. One of the directives given by the government was to put up these offices to shore up regulatory oversight. They began with a pilot program involving just 10 casinos for the first launch. 13 CGMC offices have been set up as of now.
We even know a couple of the casinos involved: NagaWorld in Phnom Penh and DNA Star Vegas in Poipet. So not only the little guys are going through this— not even the big boys are out of the CGMC’s purview either.
Going Away from the Wild West
It is the last major step regarding gambling in Cambodia. The gambling sector has served for many years ‘pure’ under the stretch of relatively unregulated territory. Today’s CGMC is enforcing the law brought about in 2020, bringing structure to all.
CGMC Technical Advisor Chhoeng Chantha put it this way: “Since the promulgation of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling on November 14, 2020, the sector has been strictly regulated under its provisions.” Pretty blunt towards the end that the Wild West has now come to an end.
More than Money: Checking Qualifications
It does not only revolve around money, though. According to Chantha, it is more than just having deep pockets to apply for a casino license now. The CGMC will also “evaluate based on the qualifications and competency of investors.” They’re making sure that the people running these casinos know what they’re doing and are committed to following the rules.
Moreover, special licenses from CGMC must be acquired by casino workers before operating games, and all gambling equipment and software must be certified and registered. That’s how all things are finally pushed into the industry’s transparency and accountability.
What does this Mean for Cambodia?
Funny setting these onsite offices on the ground. Such action would imply seriousness in the regulation of gambling in the country. Some of the advantages include:
- Curtailing of illegal gambling activities.
- Encouraging responsible gambling practices.
- Government revenue increases from the gaming sector.
- Improved reputation of the country as a safe and reliable destination for tourists and investors.
Challenges are inevitable. It will take time for CGMC to complete the implementation of regulations and for casino operators to adapt to the new rules. But, importantly, with all these steps, Cambodia indicates that it is going forward into a more sustainable and responsible gambling industry, and that implies good news for all concerned.
Source: Asian Gaming Brief (AGB)
