Yesterday the World Bank predicted a slowdown in the garment and tourism sectors of Cambodia, and said that the slow global economy is likely to cut demand for Cambodian exports and reduce tourism arrivals and foreign investment. Gaming operations in the country are by law restricted to foreigners although this condition of a gaming licence is often ignored.

A government directive, signed last week by Prime Minister Hun Sen, will see slot machines removed from entertainment clubs. The change, aimed at improving security and public order, means that slot machines will be limited to hotels in the kingdom. Under the new law only hotels that have been certified by the Ministry of Tourism will be able to apply for a slot machine licence from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Present operators must move their machines into hotels within six months or lose their licences.

The Secretary of State at the Finance Ministry believes that many licence holders are not enforcing the law that forbids Cambodians from entering gaming areas. Chea Penh Chheang said that with the new directive the law must be implemented effectively. The terms and conditions for slots operations are written in a Cashier de Charge held by each licensed company and any business found to be in breach of the foreigners-only law will have its licence withdrawn immediately. (E-12.11.08)

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