Cambodia Gambling Law Guide: Everything You Need to Know
What is the current law governing gambling in Cambodia?
Is gambling legal or illegal in Cambodia in 2024? With few exceptions, physical gambling is illegal in Cambodia under the Punishment Act 1996. gambling. However, the ban only applies to local citizens, for foreigners it is completely legal both real gambling and online games. One of the exceptions: Cambodians are legally allowed to buy lotto tickets in five national lotteries with specific licenses. Regarding online sports betting sites in Cambodia no more licenses are granted for local bookmakers, but nothing specific on the legality or not of betting in line for a Cambodian. The only observation: no online money store is blocked in the kingdom, which is not the case in its neighboring countries.
Here are some examples of questions that the guide to online betting bet-in-cambodia.com answers:
- Is gambling legal or illegal in Cambodia?
- What is Cambodia's gambling law in 2024?
- Online betting on Cambodia Football is it legal?
- What is illegal in the game?
- What if you are a Cambodian caught gambling?
- What is the punishment for gambling?
Particularity of the Cambodian law on gambling
Legal for foreigners, illegal for Cambodians
While casinos are 100% legal in Cambodia, Cambodians, local citizens are still not legally allowed to play in the gambling halls, only foreigners are legally allowed. Article 68 of the law states: "All Cambodians, including members of the armed forces, civil servants and elected officials, are prohibited from entering casinos or commercial gaming facilities for gambling".
Conditions for entering a gaming center: Foreigners wishing to enter a casino must present a passport and be 18 years old to place a bet.
Cambodia Online Gambling Law
No details in this area: no online gaming license is mentioned in this new law
Is online gambling illegal in Cambodia?
What are the betting regulations in Cambodia?
For foreigners no prohibition. For Cambodians, no article of law specifically states that online gambling is prohibited or not. Justice caution and the fact that no official Cambodian site is present on the market suggests that if it is not prohibited, it is not approved by the government in place. Legislation in the field of online betting and online gambling can be expected in the near future.
End of online gambling licenses in August 2019
Online gambling has fueled the explosion of casino development in Sihanoukville, the coastal city serving as a hub for Chinese bookmakers offering an alternative for players in China.
This adventure suddenly ended, in August 2019, under pressure from China, after the intervention of Prime Minister Hun Sen, announcing the end of gaming licenses online from January, through the application of the ban on online gambling in the kingdom. Many physical casinos have had to close.
Cambodia Gambling Committee
The Commercial Gaming Committee of Cambodia (CCGC), is the new regulatory body put in place by the new law of October 2020 (Article 4). The 11-person committee, headed by the Minister of the Economy and Finance, includes representatives from several ministries and the police. It will monitor gaming policies, compliance and licensing, including those of travel operators who bring big players to the kingdom's casinos.
The new law of October 2020
Cambodia's current gambling law comes from e undergo update on October 5, 2020. It includes 12 chapters and 97 articles. It was adopted by the Cambodian National Assembly on October 5 and ratified by the Senate on October 26. The future of gaming companies still looks bright in Cambodia.
The Law on the Management of Commercial Games of Chance, enacted on October 5, 2020, establishes a legal framework of articles that includes tax rates and license requirements, as well as a new regulator to oversee the industry. The law replaces a set of laws and agreements that previously governed casinos across the country.
Phnom Penh specificity
Special status for Phnom Penh: with one exception, NagaWorld, land-based casinos are not allowed to open within a radius of 200 kilometers from the capital.
History of gaming laws
Cambodia's gambling laws have undergone several changes in the past. Before the total ban in 2009, Cambodians were allowed to play on the machines. The 1996 law did not legislate on games of chance.
- From 1975 to 1979, under the Khmer Rouge regime: all forms of gambling prohibited.
- From 1990 to 1995: The games of chance are legalized, authorization of the construction of casinos in all the country.
- From 1996 to 2008, adoption of the law on the repression of gambling: cancellation of all gambling licenses issued.
- In 2009: total ban.
- In 2019: elimination of licenses for online gambling. In August 2019
- In 2020, new law of October 2020: favorable tax rate, birth of the Cambodia Gaming Committee.
The law on the repression of gambling of 1996
Repression on Players
Those found guilty of breaking Cambodia's gambling laws face a prison term of up to one month and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 riel (2.5 to 12, 5 USD). Repeat offenders will have to pay a fine ranging from 50,000 Riels to 500,000 Riels (from 12.5 to 125 USD) and a prison sentence ranging from one month to one year.
Crackdown on game organizers
The organizers and managers of illegal gambling centers or gambling agents, such as bookmakers illegal, are punishable by imprisonment ranging from one to five years and a fine of 5 million to 20 million riel (from 1250 to 5000 USD).
Cambodia, a country open to Casinos
Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia justifies Casinos
Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia said: "Even though I don't like casinos that much, I allowed their construction mainly to protect borders from encroachment neighbors in our territory They can remove the border markers, but they cannot remove the imposing five-story casino hotels ".
The Cambodian government allows individuals and businesses to operate gambling centers as long as they have the appropriate gambling license, issued by the Cambodia Gambling Committee. Casino games and sports betting offers cannot be accessed by local citizens, under penalty of legal proceedings.
New tax rates very favorable to Casinos
How to attract more investment? Can the country become a leading international destination for gambling? Here is the answer: The Kingdom of Cambodia will benefit from one of the lowest tax rates in the world on casino operations under a new law, the objective is to obtain a "safe and sound" sector and encourage more investment at the national level.
Taxes on gambling centers and casinos
Under the new October 2020 law, both shopping centers and casinos will pay taxes based on gross gaming revenue, or GGR. However, shopping centers will pay a shared rate of 4% for VIP players and 7% for mass customers, while stand-alone casinos will pay a flat rate of 7%. Commercial gaming centers will be eligible for licenses for a maximum term of 20 years, while licenses for establishments reserved for retailers will be eligible for licenses for up to 20 years. asinos will be capped at five years.
By comparison: Cambodia's corporate tax rate for medium and large companies is 20%.
Very advantageous rate compared to neighbors
The new GGR rates, which will come into effect in 2024, are much lower than other Asian countries like Macao and its 39.5%, Vietnam and its 35% and the 15% in Singapore, which intend to increase their rates in 2024.
NagaCorp retains its advantages
The new rules allow existing deals to stay in place until they expire, a clause that benefits NagaCorp, the kingdom's largest casino operator and one of the most profitable in the world. 'Asia.
NagaWorld still the only casino in Phnom Penh
Under a long-standing agreement with the government, Naga has the exclusive rights to operate in and around Phnom Penh until 2045. With a license extending until 2065, the company is currently building a $ 3 billion addition to its NagaWorld complex in the capital.
Are casino winnings in Cambodia taxable?
Are casino gambling winnings in Cambodia taxable? gambling winnings are not taxed. Only casino owners and operators are required to pay taxes to the government.
Conclusion
If you are interested in gambling in Cambodia, whether online or offline, you need to know the legal status and the safety of this activity in the country. Cambodia has a complex and evolving gambling law that regulates different types of gambling activities and operators. In this article, we have explained the main aspects of the Cambodia gambling law, such as:
- The scope and the responsible authority of the law.
- The commercial gambling zoning and the licensing system.
- The tax rates and the penalties for gambling offenses.
- The online gambling situation and the future prospects.
By reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of how to gamble legally and safely in Cambodia, and what are the best options for you. However, this article is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and you should always check the latest laws and regulations before you gamble in Cambodia.
Try your luck and have some fun
Now that you have learned the basics of the Cambodia gambling law, you are ready to try your luck and have some fun. You can choose any of the online gambling sites that we have recommended in this article, or you can do your own research and find the one that suits you best. You can also use our exclusive promo codes and links to get the best bonuses and offers when you sign up. Once you have registered and deposited, you can start playing your favorite games and betting on your favorite sports. Remember to gamble responsibly and to have fun. Good luck and happy gambling!
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Cambodia gambling law:
Q: Is gambling legal in Cambodia?
A: Gambling is legal in Cambodia, but only for foreigners and only in certain zones and venues. Cambodians are prohibited from gambling in any form or place, except for the national lotteries. The law also distinguishes between different types of gambling activities and operators, such as casinos, slot machines, online gambling, sports betting, and more. Each type of gambling activity and operator has its own license and regulation requirements.
Q: Who is in charge of regulating gambling in Cambodia?
A: The Commercial Gambling Committee of Cambodia (CGCC) is the main authority responsible for regulating gambling in Cambodia. The CGCC is composed of 11 members from relevant ministries and state institutions, and is under the presidency of the minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The CGCC has the power to propose new policies, issue gambling regulations and licenses, collect gambling revenue, and take any necessary actions in relation to the management and enforcement of gambling laws and regulations.
Q: How much tax do I have to pay for gambling in Cambodia?
A: The tax rate for gambling in Cambodia depends on the type of gambling activity and operator. The law specifies different tax rates for different types of gambling activities and operators, such as casinos, slot machines, online gambling, sports betting, and more. The tax rate can range from 4% to 7% of the gross gaming revenue, or from 5% to 20% of the net profit, depending on the type of gambling activity and operator. The tax rate can also vary depending on the location and the size of the gambling venue.
Q: What are the penalties for gambling offenses in Cambodia?
A: The penalties for gambling offenses in Cambodia depend on the type and the severity of the offense. The law specifies different penalties for different types of gambling offenses, such as operating without a license, allowing Cambodians to gamble, cheating, money laundering, and more. The penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, or both, depending on the type and the severity of the offense. The fines can range from 10 million to 50 billion riels, or from 2,500 to 12,500 US dollars, depending on the type and the severity of the offense. The imprisonment can range from 1 month to 5 years, depending on the type and the severity of the offense.
Q: Is online gambling legal in Cambodia?
A: Online gambling is not explicitly legal or illegal in Cambodia, but it is generally considered to be illegal for Cambodians and legal for foreigners. The law does not mention online gambling specifically, but it does prohibit Cambodians from gambling in any form or place, and it does allow foreigners to gamble in certain zones and venues. Therefore, it is assumed that online gambling is illegal for Cambodians and legal for foreigners, as long as they use licensed and regulated online gambling sites. However, the law also states that no more online gambling licenses will be issued, and that the existing ones will expire by the end of 2024. Therefore, the future of online gambling in Cambodia is uncertain.