Thailand's push towards legalizing casinos gains momentum, buoyed by a surge of popular support
Thailand's government is moving forward with plans to legalize casinos within large-scale integrated entertainment complexes, aiming to boost tourism, stimulate the economy, and formalize underground gambling while generating significant government revenue from taxation.
The Bill, approved in principle by the Thai cabinet in January 2025, allows casinos but limits casino operations to no more than 10 percent of the total floor area of each complex. These complexes are envisioned to include hotels, shopping centers, concert venues, and theme parks.
Controversies and Concerns
The legislation also proposes entry fees for Thai locals to discourage local participation in gambling and mitigate social harms, although specific fee amounts and enforcement details have been points of discussion and are subject to further refinement. Concerns about the bill focus largely on the potential social consequences, including increased gambling addiction and crime. Civic and religious groups have strongly opposed the project on these grounds and in some cases are pushing for a national referendum to halt or reconsider the legislation.
The current proposals have sparked debates about the potential impact on problem gambling among the local population. Some members of the public suggest that bigger gaming areas with better monitoring could work better. The 10% space limit for casinos in entertainment centers is causing concerns among some members of the public, who believe it might be too restrictive.
Political Stalemate
Following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a prominent proponent of the bill, in June 2025, the bill’s future became uncertain. It was planned for deliberation on July 9, 2025, but was withdrawn just two days prior on July 7, 2025, amid political pressure and opposition.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Despite the political stalemate, the Thai government remains committed to passing laws allowing casinos this year. The government is open to changing some rules to make it easier for locals to go to casinos. To obtain a casino license, businesses must pay 5 billion baht for a 30-year permit and 1 billion baht annually for maintenance. The license can be renewed for an additional 10 years.
Thailand's casino bill has generated significant interest from international players, with companies like Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. looking at investing in Thailand. Potential locations for casinos include popular tourist spots such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
As Thailand moves forward with its new law, it is expected to become a significant player in the global gaming scene, potentially attracting millions of foreign tourists and boosting the economy. The government will consider public feedback before finalizing the bill for the cabinet's approval, as stated by Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat.
[1] Thai government's casino bill faces opposition [5] Thailand's casino bill withdrawal
- The proposed Thai casino bill includes a limitation for casinos to not exceed 10 percent of the total floor area in each integrated entertainment complex.
- The bill proposes entry fees for Thai locals as a strategy to reduce local gambling participation and mitigate social harms.
- Debates about the bill's impact on problem gambling among the local population have focused on the restrictiveness of the 10% space limit for casinos in entertainment centers.
- Following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the bill's future became uncertain and was withdrawn amid political pressure and opposition.
- In an effort to encourage local participation, the Thai government is open to modifying some regulations to make casinos more accessible.
- The withdrawal of the bill has not deterred international gaming companies like Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. from considering investing in Thailand's casino sector.
- As Thailand moves forward with its new casino law, it is anticipated to attract millions of foreign tourists, contribute to the economy, and have a considerable impact on the global gaming industry.
