Casino's could soon be able to operate in Myanmar for the first time in more than 30 years.

The Myanmar Times reports that the 2018 Gambling Law, which includes recommendations from President U Win Myint, is now in the process of being approved in Parliament, which will resume after Thingyan in April.

Under the new law, casinos will be allowed to operate at hotels in Yangon and Mandalay, opening up opportunities for both local and foreign investors and other businesses. However, only foreigners will be allowed to gamble. 

Colliers International said the potential change represented a significant opportunity for Myanmar's hotel and tourism industries.

"With tourism industry contributing 2.7% of the total GDP and employing over 600,000 people in Myanmar, liberalizing gambling laws will allow hotels and developers to diversify their business strategies and lure more guests and travellers who are inclined to visit casinos, boosting the overall economic growth of the country and bringing in a greater proportion of additional wealth into the local economy," it said.

"Colliers urge tourism and hospitality industry to take advantage of this opportunity and start rigorous marketing campaigns targeted towards linking casino developments to the wider tourism context."

Sources: Myanmar Times, Colliers International.

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