The 32nd gambling facility licensed by the government of Cambodia was opened last week in the special economic zone (SEZ) on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. According to reports, the authorities hope that there will be further expansion of the casino industry, including along the border with Laos, because of the job creation potential.

Top Diamond Casino has a gaming floor of 1,600 sq m and employs 200 people. The project was developed by local firm Doung Chhiv Investment on land leased from the government. Two more gambling facilities are expected to be constructed by the company in the Phnom Den Sez, if Top Diamond proves to be a success with visiting businessmen. The Doung Chhiv Group says progress has been delayed by the global financial crisis but that it has completed just 15% of its development plans for the area.

The Cambodian government has licensed 19 areas as special economic zones but so far only six are in operation. In December 2008 the Cambodian government ordered all slot machine operations into hotels certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Poipet, close to Thailand, has the most casinos. NagaCorp has exclusive rights to operate within a 200km radius of Phnom Penh until 2035 and was granted a casino licence in 1995 that runs for an amazing 70 years. (E-01.25.10)

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