Casinos allegedly violating rules
Despite online gambling platforms becoming illegal in Cambodia from January 1, 2020, a number of major local casinos are allegedly violating the rules.
a significant level of upheaval in the gambling capital of Cambodia
The South China Morning Post reported a significant level of upheaval in the gambling capital of Cambodia, Sihanoukville, since the ban came into effect.
It alleged that certain casinos still have active online gambling sites. GoBo East Casino and WM Casino, both located in Sihanoukville, were among the names mentioned.
Chinese newspaper investigates the matter
The Chinese newspaper spoke with a WM Casino floor manager about the live dealer tables at the facility, where croupiers appear actively smiling at webcams. The floor manager said the dealers only cater to gamblers that are sitting in other parts of the casino and gambling through a closed-circuit network.
Moreover, a video that premiered on the official WM Casino YouTube channel on January 29 features female webcam dealers and digital channels used to access online gambling offerings.
An issue going forward
Cambodia has come under the spotlight following the report that notable casinos in the country are apparently still operating online gambling sites. The onus is now on the local authorities to bring gambling businesses in line with current regulations.
casinos in the region that complied with the gambling site shutdown order have been struggling to be profitable
Many casinos in the region that complied with the gambling site shutdown order have been struggling to be profitable, now they no longer have online gambling as a revenue source.
Reason for the shutdown
The reason China called for the shutdown of online gambling sites in nations such as Cambodia was that a large portion of these platforms targeted residents in mainland China. Gambling is illegal in the country, except on the island of Macau.
Cambodia complied with the request. In response, the Chinese authorities made certain financial support pledges to help major Cambodian regions that would be affected by the closure of these gambling sites.
The Philippines was also ordered to cease its online gambling operations. The government, however, refused to put a stop to what it considers a lucrative source of revenue for the nation.