Thailand takes first step to legalize casinos to aid economy
Wednesday 03 de April 2024 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Thailand).- Thailand took the first step toward legalizing casinos, as the government looks to attract high-spending tourists to support Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy while also checking revenue leak from illegal gambling.

The nation’s 500-member House of Representatives Thursday voted in favor of a study by a panel of lawmakers to allow casinos to be housed within large entertainment complexes. A total of 253 out of 257 lawmakers present voted in favor of the plan.
The lower house also gave initial nod this week to a clutch of draft bills that seek to reform the alcohol industry, including a proposal to scrap a 52-year-old rule that bans liquor sale between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Provincial officials may still be able to impose some kind of curbs on alcohol sale.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the casino study will be forwarded to the Cabinet for a decision on whether legalizing casinos is “suitable for the nation.”
Thailand is the latest nation to consider competing for a pie of the global casino industry, which IBIS World estimates generated $263.3 billion in revenue last year. The United Arab Emirates set up a framework for legalized gaming in September, with the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah seen as frontrunners to introduce casinos.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. and MGM Resorts International have been studying potential opening of casino resorts in Thailand as a hedge against uncertain prospects in Macau. Closer home, Singapore and Philippine casino operators are putting up a challenge to Macau, which garnered $22.75 billion in casino revenue last year.
The study found that Thailand can lift tourism revenue by about $12 billion by legalizing casinos and housing them within large entertainment complexes. Average tourist spending may surge 52% to 65,050 baht ($1,790) per trip once the entertainment hubs are built, netting an additional earnings of as much as 448.8 billion baht, according to the study.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been aggressively pushing policies to attract foreign investments to Thailand, had earlier Thursday backed the plan to legalize what he called “the grey economy” for better oversight and proper tax collection.
“The entertainment complexes will enhance the country’s tourism industry,” Srettha posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “In the past, we have wasted enough time and opportunity. The government will reclaim the lost time and turn it into an economic opportunity for the country and its citizens.”
Though most types of betting is illegal in Thailand — a majority Buddhist and conservative society — any opening of casinos will be in line with its recent embrace of a more liberal landscape to revive its tourism industry from the pandemic blow. In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis though it’s now moving to ban its recreational use, and is set to become the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriages.
-With assistance from Patpicha Tanakasempipat.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
GAT Expo CDMX 2025
28 de August 2025
Update on Mexico's Gaming and Raffles Law: Experts discuss its present and future at GAT Expo Mexico 2025
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the Expo Santa Fe Convention Center, gaming industry leaders analyzed the challenges and opportunities of the reform to the Gaming and Raffles Law, in a panel moderated by Rosa Ochoa of SCCG Management LATAM.
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025 / 12:00
GAT CDMX 2025: Experts Discussed Innovation in iGaming and Sports Betting in Mexico
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- As part of the GAT CDMX 2025 Institutional Academy, leading industry executives met in Mexico City to analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by innovation in online gaming, iGaming, and sports betting. Artificial intelligence, omnichannel, user experience, and the role of streamers were some of the central topics discussed.
Monday 15 Sep 2025 / 12:00
21Viral Strengthens Industry Ties and LatAm Expansion at GAT Mexico
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At GAT Expo Mexico, 21Viral made a powerful impression through strategic networking, insightful participation, and a clear vision for growth across Latin America. Luz Serna, Head of Sales LatAm (i Gaming), highlighted the event’s rich academic content and the valuable alliances formed with key operators and stakeholders in the Mexican gaming industry.
Monday 15 Sep 2025 / 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.