Cambodia Releases New Regulation Model Terms and Goals
Published July 28, 2020 by Lee R
Another China neighbour has formally decided to ignore pressures to close gambling.
The impending regulation model in Cambodia has its first publicly released terms.
The Process
Endorsed July 3rd by the Cambodia Council of Ministers, the draft now awaits the formality of an approval by country's National Assembly and then Senate, before final promulgation by the king.
IR Factor
The goal of the legislation is purportedly drafted with an eye on attracting large-scale investment to the country's Integrated Resort projects, through competitive tax rates that increase government revenues at the same time.
Tax Rates
These rates for gaming tax rate in Cambodia will be 7 percent of GGR for operators currently operating within the jurisdiction--unless operators meet new requirements to convert operations into Integrated Resorts. In the current plan, the tax rates will be 7 percent GGR on mass players and 4 percent of GGR on VIPs, with no minimums.
Local Play Illegal
The prohibitions against play by locals will remain in effect, with the barring of casinos within 200 kilometers of Phnom Penh.
A New Regulatory Authority
The new legislation also establishes in Cambodia for the first time a new regulatory body to oversee junket VIP tours into the country as well.
Online Play Status
Online and sports betting are still not to be included in the legislation, but drivers of change such as shutdowns are likely to bring legislation for greater gaming and online activity on the heels of the new regulation model in Cambodia.
Cambodia's Growth
The Cambodia market has certainly seen an uptick in casino licenses, with the jurisdiction up to 193 currently.
This is a unique turnabout in Cambodia, which is one of several countries neighbouring China which have been under pressure to shutter gambling completely.
Resisting China's Pressure
This stems from China's concern that though gambling is illegal on the mainland of the massive Republic, border countries were serving Chinese clients both in person and online, often illegally. It is a widespread practice for unscrupulous operators based in Chain's neighbouring countries to illicitly reach out to China nationals China online, or just tempting Chinese players to cross the borders and play in land-based casinos.
Outlook
Either way, pressure from China has caused an ebb and flow in registration that Cambodia coming down on the “flow” side with a new regulation model.
