Cambodia regulator preparing casino evaluation framework for licence renewals

Cambodia’s casino regulator is preparing an “integrity and quality” evaluation framework to be used in assessing casino licence renewals, according to an announcement from the nation’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC). The regulator’s General Secretariat held a meeting (pictured) on Friday (September 4) to review and discuss the proposed framework, which is intended to establish minimum suitability requirements for obtaining a casino licence. The assessment criteria are to be based on Cambodia’s applicable laws and regulatory instruments, as well as what the regulator described as the “necessity to strengthen” the country’s commercial gambling sector. The meeting was chaired by Yeth Vinel, secretary-general of the CGMC, and was attended by representatives of the regulator’s Internal Audit Unit, technical advisers, department directors and other officials. According to information released by the CGMC, participants reviewed the proposed casino integrity and quality evaluation framework and provided feedback on its contents. The framework is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that casino operators meet appropriate standards as part of the licensing and licence-renewal process. The CGMC did not provide details regarding the specific criteria that would form part of the evaluation, nor did it indicate when the framework would be finalised or implemented. Cambodia has in recent years tightened oversight of its casino industry under the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling. The legislation established a more formal regulatory framework for the country’s casino sector and provided the legal basis for the licensing and supervision of commercial gambling operations. The CGMC is responsible for regulating Cambodia’s commercial gambling sector, including licensing and supervising of casino operators.