Cambodian premier says he has won 'verbal' soccer game bets

PHNOM PENH, June 21 Kyodo

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Wednesday he has won bets with his government colleague over World Cup soccer games, but added they were just ''verbal wins,'' not ''cash.''

Hun Sen said he won the bets ''verbally'' with Sun Kunthor, director of the governmental Rural Development Bank, over several games.

The premier made the remarks at a joint forum held by the government and the private sector in Phnom Penh. About 100 participants included businesspeople and foreign diplomats.

Last week, Hun Sen appealed to Cambodians, especially soccer fans, not to sell their property for betting on World Cup matches.

''Just bet verbally, for fun. But please do not sell your cows, motorcycles, cars and houses for betting on soccer matches,'' the premier said at that time.

During the televised six-hour forum, Hun Sen referred to soccer matches three times.

In Phnom Penh, there are about 40 licensed shops for soccer betting.

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