DOM 19 DE MAYO DE 2024 - 07:21hs.
Only for foreigners

Myanmar moves closer to legalising casinos

The opening of foreign-only casinos in Myanmar is now one step closer with the submission of the Gambling Bill 2018 to the lower house of parliament. The bill, which includes amendments the 1986 Gambling Act if passed, will allow a passage for foreigner-only casinos to operate in the country.

Currently, gambling businesses are banned in Myanmar, and the opening of casinos in cultural tourist hotspots, such as Bagan will also be prohibited.

Local news channels quoted legislator Aung Hlaing Win as saying: “Once the hluttaw approves the amended bill, casinos will be allowed to open in Myanmar. Only foreigners will be allowed into the casinos. As such, the government will target areas with the most foreigners, such as near the border.”

“The passing of the 2018 Gambling Law will enable a whole new sector to flourish and draw much-needed taxes and foreign currency into the country,” Win added.

Myanmar has a population of 51.4m but is bordered by India, Laos, Thailand and China with the casinos likely to be located on the border with the latter two countries both of which are well-known for their gamblers.

Source: GMB