Myanmar government softens stance on casinos

Myanmar is taking a second look at casinos in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry.

Eleven Media Group reported that the Myanmar parliament is considering allowing foreigners-only casinos in some of the country’s island resorts after package tours from Western countries dropped last year.

Myanmar’s Minister for Hotels and Tourism Ohn Maung clarified that the government doesn’t oppose plans to construct casinos in the country, especially if it will help shore up tourism. The problem lies with Myanmar’s 1986 Gambling law, which prohibits casinos. Maung suggested that the antiquated law be revised for the sake of the country’s tourism development.

Minister Aung Hlaing Win pointed out that opening casinos would give the government additional revenue that could be used to pay the country’s debt.