Cambodia’s Casino Tax Revenue Soars In 2024
Cambodia’s Casino And Gambling Sector Experienced A Solid Improve In 2024, Generating $63.1 Million In Tax Revenue, Reflecting An 85% Increase Compared To The Previous Year. This Remarkable Growth Underscores The Industry’s Pivotal Role In The Country’s Economy, Despite Ongoing Social And Regulatory Challenges.
Table of Contents
Casino Tax Revenue Breakdown
In 2024, Cambodia’s Gambling Industry Contributed Over $63 Million To National Tax Revenues:
- $62.1 Million From Casino Operations.
- $1 Million+ From Other Games Of Chance.
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission Of Cambodia (Cgmc) Acknowledged This As A Strong Performance, Attributing It To Improved Regulatory Enforcement And Sector Recovery Post-Pandemic.
Cambodia’s Casino Licensing & Operations
As Of 2024, Cambodia Has Issued 195 Casino Licenses, But Operational Statuses Vary:
- 15 Licenses Expired.
- 1 License Revoked.
- 1 License Suspended.
Additionally, CGMC licensed 21 Game-Of-Chance Operators, With One License Canceled And Three Suspended.
Key Casino Locations In Cambodia
Most Gambling Are Strategically Positioned Along Thailand And Vietnam’s Borders And In Preah Sihanouk, Attracting Foreign Players. Nagaworld Remains The Only Licensed Casino In Phnom Penh, Holding A Long-Term Monopoly.
Cambodia’s Gambling Regulations Legal Framework & Taxation
Gambling Laws & Restrictions
Under Cambodia’s 1996 Law On Suppression Of Gambling, Gambling Is Illegal For Cambodian Citizens But Remains Accessible To Foreign Tourists. This Policy Aims To Drive Revenue While Mitigating Social Risks.
The 2020 Commercial Gaming Management Law (Gaming Law) Introduced Structured Regulations, Covering Gambling Operations, Betting Activities, And Compliance.
Casino Taxation & Administration
Cambodia’s Gambling Industry Is Taxed Under Prakas No. 1080 (December 2022):
- 4% – 7% Tax Rate On Gambling Services.
- Both VAT and Income Tax Apply.
The CGMC Oversees Licensing, Compliance, And Enforcement, Working To Enhance Regulatory Efficiency.
Gambling Industry Growth & Foreign Investment
Rapid Expansion & Economic Impact
Cambodia’s Gambling Sector Has Expanded Significantly, Especially In Sihanoukville:
- 24 Casinos In 2017 → 100+ Gambling By 2019 (Primarily Serving Chinese Tourists).
- Nagaworld Is One Of Phnom Penh’s Largest Employers.
The Role Of Chinese Investment
Chinese Investment Has Heavily Influenced Cambodia’s Gambling Industry, Especially In Sihanoukville:
- 90% of Businesses In Sihanoukville are Chinese-Owned.
- $5 Billion+ Chinese Investment In 2020, Largely Driven By Gambling.
While This Influx Has Accelerated Economic Growth, It Has Also Raised Concerns About Foreign Dominance And Social Issues.
Challenges & Social Concerns In Cambodia’s Gambling Industry
Social & Ethical Issues
Despite Economic Benefits, The Casino Industry Has Led To:
- Human Trafficking & Forced Labor (E.G., Vietnamese Nationals Trafficked Into Casinos).
- Crime Spikes In Gambling Hubs.
- Gambling Addiction & Financial Distress.
Environmental Impact
Sihanoukville’s Casino Boom Has Caused Environmental Degradation:
- Some Gamblings Dump Waste Into The Sea, Harming Tourism And Marine Ecosystems.
- The Ministry Of Environment Has Intervened, Closing Non-Compliant Gambling And Improving Wastewater Management.
What Lies Ahead For Cambodia’s Gambling Sector?
Stricter Regulations & Market Consolidation
According To Ros Phirun (CGMC Secretary General), Cambodia’s Gambling Industry Is Expected To Consolidate:
- Licensed Gambling May Drop To ~50 In The Long Run.
- Full Implementation Of The Gaming Law May Take 15 Years.
Strengthening Regulatory Oversight
CGMC Is Prioritizing:
- Stricter Licensing Standards.
- Stronger Regulatory Enforcement.
- Staff Training For International Compliance.
Conclusion: Balancing Economic Gains & Responsible Gambling
Cambodia’s Gambling Industry Is Thriving, With $63.1 Million In Tax Revenue In 2024, Solidifying Its Role In National Income Generation. However, Challenges Like Crime, Addiction, And Environmental Concerns Must Be Addressed Through Enhanced Regulations And Responsible Gambling Measures.
With A Structured Regulatory Approach, Cambodia’s Gambling Sector Can Achieve Sustainable Growth, Benefiting Both The Economy And Society In The Long Term.
