Most people don’t realize that Cambodia is a premier gambling destination. However, there are over 20 casinos in this country, and the gaming industry is growing strongly in popularity. If you are travelling to this area of the world, you may want to stop in Cambodia to see what their casinos have to offer.
CAMBODIA opened a luxury, US$100 million casino on Friday hoping to attract more foreign tourists and promote its fast-growing entertainment industry, casino owners said.
The Titan King Casino, located along the Vietnam border, is one of a number that have sprung up along the country’s frontiers with Vietnam and Thailand, attracting thousands of gamblers.
The Ministry of Finance says Cambodia earned US$19 million from 29 casinos in 2008. But revenue fell to US$17 million in 2009 because of a decline in tourist arrivals and a border dispute with Thailand.
The Titan King Casino is owned by Mr Kith Thieng, a business tycoon close to Prime Minister Hun Sen.
In a message posted on the casino’s website, Mr Kith Thieng said the town of Bavet, where the casino is located, was fast becoming an entertainment centre, ‘much like Las Vegas and Macau’. Bavet is 68 miles (110 kilometres) south-east of the capital Phnom Penh.
Other than Macau, China’s version of Las Vegas, the city of Poipet in Cambodia is the largest gaming center in Asia. This city is home to a number of casinos, which have a combined income over $7.5 to $12.5 million (300 – 500 million baht) every year. Although residents of Cambodia enjoy small-bet tables and gaming machines, the real business in this country is the high roller industry. Most casinos in Cambodia offer private tables and VIP rooms for those wishing to bet large amounts of money.
Few Cambodian Casinos are like Casino O Samet, Casino Tropicana, Golden Crown Casino, Grand Diamond City, Ho Wah Genting Poipet Casino