The ban was announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Manet stated that the prohibition of casinos in the mentioned provinces aims to "achieve diversified investments in the hotel, tourism, manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, trade, and economic zone sectors," and also to "strengthen and promote cultural and religious protection, ensure the safety of tourist destinations, and improve order."
According to data from the Cambodian Gaming Management Committee (CGMC), most of Cambodia's casinos are located in coastal areas, while others are scattered in provinces bordering neighboring countries, with 48 in provinces bordering Thailand and 35 in provinces bordering Vietnam; the capital Phnom Penh has only one.
The 2020 "Gaming Management Law" Article 19 states, "For cultural, religious protection or other necessary reasons, gambling establishments are prohibited in certain geographical locations," but Article 20 specifies that casinos already existing in the aforementioned areas before the enactment of this law are exempt.
