Thailand's government is considering drafting a casino bill, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday, March 29, 2024, saying that if parliament passed it the law would generate more jobs and state revenue and allow for the creation of a mega entertainment project1. The move follows a study in parliament that was passed late on Thursday1.
Casinos are illegal in Thailand, and the only gambling allowed is on state-controlled horse races and the lottery, though illicit gambling is commonplace, with underground casinos and soccer betting rife1. The country is Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and is considering allowing casinos as another means of drawing in investment and tourism1. Legalization of gambling has been discussed in the past but no government has gone ahead due to public opposition1.
Srettha said the proposed entertainment complex would have a concert hall and sports venue, among other things, plus a gambling floor, although that would account for only 3% to 10% of the total area1. He did not disclose the location1. Cabinet would have to submit a draft law to parliament for consideration, he added1.
"We can regulate the gray economy and collect taxes ... We do not want to promote gambling, but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs"
Underground casinos do exist in Thailand, but large numbers of its people travel to neighboring Cambodia and beyond to visit huge casino complexes, revenue that gambling advocates say could be kept in-country1. Many in the industry believe a legal casino market in Thailand would draw overseas visitors and provide strong competition for Macao, the world's biggest gambling hub and the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos1.
What it means for players
Nothing changes yet. Casinos remain illegal in Thailand, and the only permitted gambling is on state-controlled horse races and the lottery1. The bill has not been drafted, and cabinet would still have to submit a draft law to parliament for consideration1. Until a law passes, underground casinos and soccer betting remain illegal even though they are commonplace1. For Thai residents who currently travel to casino complexes in Cambodia and elsewhere, no legal domestic alternative exists at this stage1. For visitors and expats, the current rules on what gambling is permitted are unchanged.
What happens next
A study in parliament was passed late on Thursday1. The government is considering drafting a casino bill, and cabinet would have to submit a draft law to parliament for consideration1. No date has been reported for when a draft might be submitted or voted on, and the location of the proposed entertainment complex has not been disclosed1.
For the current rules, see Can I Gamble in Thailand?, Casinos in Thailand: Who Can Go In and Can Foreigners Gamble in Thailand?. For how Thailand compares with its neighbors, see Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
