Cambodian casino operators are facing new regulations that require them to register all gambling devices by the end of this year, or risk having them dismantled. This regulation is part of a broader effort by the Cambodian Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) to regulate and clean up the gambling industry. However, as these regulations are still in draft form, many issues remain unresolved, including their implementation and the role of a mysterious company, FIRM 614, which currently holds the exclusive right to import gambling devices in Cambodia.
Regulatory and Modernization Efforts:
The CGMC is pushing for modernization of the Cambodian gambling industry by implementing stricter controls on gambling devices. According to the draft regulations, operators must register all approved products and remove all devices that have been in use for more than ten years. This move is seen as a way to eliminate the long-standing issue of illegal or counterfeit devices in Cambodia. As one industry insider stated, "If implemented as planned, this will benefit the entire industry," addressing the issue of substandard devices that undermine industry integrity.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the registration process has raised concerns, especially regarding FIRM 614. The government claims that this entity is "currently the only one," but for many in the industry, it remains a mystery. Its exclusive rights to import gaming equipment have suppliers and operators worried.
Questions remain about the costs associated with import approvals and whether other companies will be allowed to join the approved importer list in the future.
Exclusive Agreements and Future Prospects:
Malaysian gambling equipment supplier RGB International Bhd recently announced a partnership with FIRM 614. Under this agreement, FIRM 614 will act as the exclusive agent responsible for importing, selling, and distributing gambling equipment to licensed operators in Cambodia. This statement complicates matters, as suppliers and casinos ponder the long-term impacts of this monopoly.
Last week, Oudam Khim, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs and Licensing Management at CGMC, confirmed the role of FIRM 614 at the IAG Academy Summit held in Manila, stating: "Currently, we have identified a company named 614 responsible for coordinating the import of gambling equipment in Cambodia." He further explained that CGMC requires all operators to comply with this regulation by the end of this year, adding: "All devices not registered with CGMC must be moved out. Afterward, we need to provide new equipment for the casino industry."
However, Khim also mentioned that other importers might be licensed as early as next year, offering a glimmer of hope to those concerned about FIRM 614's monopoly control. Until then, operators need to deal with the uncertainties surrounding this new regulatory environment.
Despite CGMC's plans to introduce more competition in the future, the current exclusive role of FIRM 614 continues to concern operators. As pointed out during the summit, the regulations themselves are still in draft form, and many details (such as import costs and the number of future importers) remain unclear.
