Cambodia generated more than $63 million in tax revenue from gambling activities in 2024, marking an increase of almost 85% compared to 2023.
According to data collected by the Commercial Gaming Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC), more than $62.1 million came from casinos, while more than $1 million came from other gambling activities.
Cambodia now plans to expand its casino industry by developing world-class integrated resorts and implementing attractive tax policies to attract investors.
The intention was unveiled in December 2024 by Khim Oudam, deputy director of licensing at the Commercial Gaming Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC), in an interview with GGRAsia (Gross gaming revenue Asia).
The country's gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax stands at 7% for the mass market and 4% for VIP gaming. Cambodia's tax rates, significantly lower than neighbouring jurisdictions such as Macau (40% effective tax) and Thailand (17% proposed tax), could make the country an attractive destination for casino investors.
Cambodia currently has 87 casinos, mainly located in border towns such as Bavet and Poipet, which cater for Thai customers. The NagaWorld complex in Phnom Penh, operated by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp Ltd, remains the only IR (Integrated Resort) in the country. NagaWorld is in the third phase of its development, and previous budget discussions have ranged between USD 700 million and USD 3.5 billion, although recent updates suggest potential adjustments below the original estimates. The Royal Government's ambition is to attract investors to other sites outside Phnom Penh, given NagaWorld's long-standing monopoly in the capital.
According to the government, some existing casinos have the potential to become full-fledged IRs, and it reveals that applications for their creation are currently under review. The CGMC has set a minimum capital requirement of USD 500 million per IR, to ensure that these projects include casinos as well as facilities such as restaurants, shopping malls and sports centres.
Cambodia's regulatory framework for commercial gambling was established by the Law on Commercial Gambling Management, enacted on 14 November 2020 after 15 years of preparation.
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