The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw recently passed a new Gambling Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No.13/2019) on 7th May, 2019 (the “Law”), replacing the previous Gambling Law, 1986.
As understood, the Law was drafted during 2017, on the premise of request received from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to allow casinos to be operated officially for foreigners so as to entail tourists.
The intention of the Law is to match pace with the new era and to regulate the life of public social economics, specifically since the same may be damaged due to gambling.
The Law provides regulations towards restraining operation of lottery or opening any other gambling activities similar to lottery, acceptance of bets, making benefits, abetting, and establishment of casinos (Section 11 of the Law).
Further the Law provides that establishment and opening of casinos can be only approved by the Union Government (Section 23). Myanmar citizens are not permitted to enter inside casinos (Section 13), and only foreigners are permitted to play (Section 2(k)). As per the Law, no one is allowed to lend or support money for the purpose of gambling (Section 14).
Anyone in breach of the provisions of the Law shall be liable for action for fine with 6 months to 5 years of imprisonment with provisions related to confiscation of currency as evidence.
With the object to allow foreigners to gamble, it will be interesting to see if it enhances tourism in the country.
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