Hong Kong-listed Century Entertainment International Holdings Ltd said Tuesday it had “mutually agreed” to terminate a deal to operate eight gaming tables at a casino in controversial Chinese-backed investment zone Dara Sakor, Cambodia.
According to a filing, a Termination Agreement was signed on 31 December 2023 by the company’s subsidiary, Victor Mind Global Ltd (VMG), and Lion King Entertainment Company Limited, which is wholly-owned by the company’s Chairman and CEO Ng Man Sun. Mr Ng, a former Macau junket identity, had held the rights to the gaming tables in question.
“VMG has not paid any deposit in respect of the assignment and neither party shall make any compensation to the other,” Century Entertainment said.
It did, however, reveal it is in negotiations over a casino lease and operation agreement with LongBay Entertainment Co., Ltd for the operation of a VIP room in Dara Sakor. The parent company of Long Bay, Zheng Heng Group, has been accused of human trafficking and various scams by the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia, among others.
Century Entertainment, formerly known as Amax International Holdings, had previously operated gaming tables at a casino controlled by Ng in Sihanoukville, but announced in October 2020 plans to relocate to Dara Sakor after Ng received a “more attractive offer”.
However, despite signing a new five-year deal last February, the company never officially began its new table games business due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in completing its implementation agreement.
The Dara Sakor casino in question was to have covered a gross floor area of 10,500 square meters and feature a total of 40 mass gaming tables, 55 VIP tables and 80 slot machines as well as a Chinese restaurant, spa and night club.
