A widespread shutdown of gambling venues has followed a directive from Prime Minister Hun Sen cancelling previously valid licences in order to ‘make social reform, strengthen public order and improve social morality.’ Yesterday the Phnom Penh Post reported that the country’s sole licensed bookmaker, Cambo Six, has received no compensation for the forced closure of its outlets and in consequence some customers have not received their winnings.

However, when speaking at the National Institute of Education in the capital on Tuesday, Hun Sen said Cambo Six must shut no matter the scale of compensation the state would have to pay as a result. The Prime Minister has claimed that Cambo Six is responsible for the moral decline in the Kingdom since operations began in 2002. The company, which has foreign investors, has over 20 outlets and had a bookmakers licence valid until 2011.

Slot machine operations in Cambodia were told to close voluntarily or face forced closure, and it now appears that all gaming venues will be shut down. Sporting Live Group, established in 2006, has already ceased trading and district governors have closed a number of gambling venues. At present the Nagaworld hotel and casino entertainment complex in Phnom Penh is operating as usual. (E-02.27.09)