Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Kingdom’s casinos bet on black in bold reopenings

Kingdom’s casinos bet on black in bold reopenings

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Donaco International announced the limited reopening of DNA Star Vegas in Poipet from September 25. POST STAFF

Kingdom’s casinos bet on black in bold reopenings

At least 10 casinos have resumed rolling the dice since their operations in the Kingdom were shut down on April 1 due to government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Eight casinos have reopened in Sihanoukville – one in Phnom Penh and one in Poipet.

Casinos in Bavet town, Svay Rieng province, will follow soon.

Ministry of Economy and Finance deputy director Ros Phearun told The Post on Sunday: “The casinos are limited in operations and must ensure social distancing and cleanliness. We expect more reopening soon.”

Donaco International announced the limited reopening of DNA Star Vegas in Poipet from September 25, said a press release.

DNA Star Vegas is set to operate on a limited scale and the reopening will allow the company to test its operational systems while ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors, it said.

Donaco does not expect any additional expenses to be incurred following the limited reopening of the casino on the closed Thailand border.

“The company will continue to maintain its tight cost-control strategy, while operations remain at a limited capacity. Management will maintain discretion to alter the pace of operations to local conditions.

“Donaco’s two casinos are ready to resume full operations when conditions return to normal post-Covid-19 and when borders reopen,” it said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen gave the green light on July 3, but gambling tables had to be situated at least 1m apart. Group gambling games were prohibited.

Casino owners must ask permission from the Ministry of Health and install Covid-19 prevention measures if they wish to reopen.

Cambodia is home to over 100 casinos.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Tina rebuffs ‘false claims’ over falling paddy price

    Agriculture minister Dith Tina has shed light on the trade of paddy rice in Battambang – Cambodia’s leading rice-producing province – in a bid to curb what he dubs a “social media fact distortion campaign” to destabilise the market. While acknowledging that the prices of paddy

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm