Casinos and gambling legalization: Thailand's government has given the green light to a proposed law
Monday 13 de January 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Bangkok).- Thai cabinet has approved a draft law that would legalise gambling and casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, jobs and investment, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Monday.
Under the government's plan, the law, which will be sent to parliament for deliberation, would see gambling take place in large-scale entertainment complexes. Casinos and most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand but soccer betting and underground gaming activities and lotteries are rife, with vast sums of money changing hands.
Only some gambling is permitted, such as state-controlled horse races and on an official lottery.
Neighbours, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar have benefited from large casino complexes and Thailand's government has argued the absence of legal casinos means it is turning its back on revenue and not reaching its tourism potential.
Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and Thailand is forecasting record visitor numbers in the next few years.
"Legalisation will protect the public and would also generate more state revenue," Paetongtarn told reporters.
Successive Thai governments have sought to legalise and regulate gambling to boost the economy but each attempt has faced pushback from conservatives in the Buddhist majority country.
The latest move could see foreign visitor numbers grow 5% to 10% and tourism revenue increase by about 120 billion baht to 220 billion baht ($3.45 billion to $6.32 billion), said Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
About 9,000 to 15,000 new jobs would be created, he added. A key advocate of legalising gambling has been billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father, an influential figure in the ruling party.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
GAT EXPO CARTAGENA 2025
28 de April 2025
26th edition of GAT Expo Cartagena closed with great success
(Cartagena de Indias).- The most important fair for the gaming, entertainment, technology and Esports industry in Latin America ended with an excellent commercial balance and testimonials of satisfaction from suppliers and operators, local and international authorities, associations and the main trade unions in the region.
Friday 02 May 2025 / 12:00
Colombian Olympic Committee, GAT Expo, and Colombian Official Esports Announce Historic Partnership to Promote Esports as an Olympic Discipline in Colombia
(Cartagena) - The Colombian Olympic Committee (COC) and GAT Esports have sealed a strategic partnership to promote esports as part of the country's professional sports ecosystem. The announcement was made at a formal ceremony held at the gaming industry products and services exhibition hall, attended by Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, COC executives, José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT Esports, media, and special guests.
Wednesday 30 Apr 2025 / 12:00
GAT Expo 2025: Novelties, technology, innovation, and high-level networking in the magical city of Cartagena
(Cartagena, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Today concludes GAT Expo Cartagena 2025, which has taken place this week with the presence of 23 countries and more than 70 international brands in the historic city of Cartagena de Indias, with its cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and centuries-old walls.
Wednesday 30 Apr 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.