Casinos and online gambling: Most Thais oppose the government's plan to legalise, poll finds
Tuesday 28 de January 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Bangkok).-Most Thais oppose the government's plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, moves the authorities say would boost tourism and investment, an opinion survey found on Sunday.
The Thailand government this month approved a draft law to allow casinos in entertainment complexes and gambling online. The only legal gambling in Thailand is at state-controlled horse races and a lottery, but soccer betting and underground gambling and lotteries are rife, with vast sums of money changing hands.
In the poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, 69% of respondents opposed online gambling and 59% disagreed with both entertainment complexes and casinos, while 29% favoured both.
The poll, conducted on Monday and Tuesday, surveyed 1,310 people.
Neighbours, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar have large casino complexes. Thailand's government argues the nation is turning its back on revenue and not reaching its tourism potential.
A key advocate of legalised gambling has been Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's father, billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. He said this month the legalisation could net the government as much as 100 billion baht ($3 billion) a year.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
ICE Barcelona 2026
19 de January 2026
Merkur Group Shines in Barcelona with Triple ICE Triumph
(Espelkamp/Barcelona).- Merkur Group secures three prestigious international accolades for operational excellence, social commitment, and standout exhibition experience.
Friday 06 Feb 2026 / 12:00
Eduardo Aching: "ICE 2026 was an exceptional event for Konami and its casino partners"
(Barcelona, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Eduardo Aching, Vice President of iGaming & International Gaming Operations at Konami Gaming, reflects on the company’s standout participation at ICE 2026, the strong reception to Solstice 49C and Konami Online Interactive, and the strategic push toward emerging regulated markets and expanded global partnerships.
Friday 06 Feb 2026 / 12:00
Belatra Games Strengthens LatAm Expansion and Innovation Strategy After ICE Barcelona 2026
(Barcelona, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Kateryna Goi, Chief Marketing Officer at Belatra Games, shares her assessment of the company’s participation in ICE Barcelona 2026, the quality of industry engagement at the event, and the strategic priorities shaping Belatra’s growth in 2026, with a strong focus on Latin America and narrative-driven innovation.
Friday 06 Feb 2026 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.