Thailand's public hearing on a bill to legalize gambling in the country was completed in August, according to the Bangkok Post1. The bill, which would allow casinos to operate legally inside entertainment complexes, is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year along with required feedback1. The government is pressing ahead with the legislation, and the Thai government is confident the draft bill will pass through both houses of parliament and become law by 2025, potentially as early as mid-year2.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the government will determine where casino-entertainment complexes will be located to ensure fairness among bidders1. The government will also decide how many complexes will be built, and once that number is settled the responsible committee will present the final figure to the cabinet for approval1.
Under the bill's 65 sections, an operator must pay THB5 billion to register and an annual payment of THB1 billion, and must acquire a license valid for up to 30 years, renewable for another 10 years1. Each complex will be assessed every five years1. The investment required for each complex is estimated at a minimum of THB100 billion, with construction expected to take three to four years1. The project is projected to boost Thailand's GDP by 0.2 percent annually, and once operational to increase GDP growth by 0.7 percent1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence term | Up to 30 years, renewable for 10 more1 |
| Registration fee | THB5 billion1 |
| Annual payment | THB1 billion1 |
| Minimum investment per complex | THB100 billion1 |
| Construction time | Three to four years1 |
| Assessment | Every five years1 |
| Minimum age to enter | 201 |
| Thai national entrance fee | THB5,0001 |
Five potential sites have been identified: two in Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai and Phuket1. Macau-based operator Galaxy Entertainment has confirmed its interest in pursuing an integrated resort project exclusively in Bangkok2. A policy board chaired by the prime minister will be set up and will be responsible for setting the rules and regulations governing the complexes1. A study by the Fiscal Policy Office suggests the complexes could attract an additional 5 to 20 percent of foreign tourists, increasing average spending per visitor from THB40,000 to THB60,0001.
What it means for players
Gambling in Thailand is currently illegal, and the bill would not change that outside licensed complexes. If it becomes law, casinos would operate only inside the designated entertainment complexes, and only operators holding a license would be permitted1. Individuals under 20 would be barred from entering1. Foreign visitors would be able to access the venues free of charge, while Thai nationals would pay an entrance fee of THB5,0001. Until the bill passes and venues open, no such complexes exist, and no licenses have been issued. For the current legal position, see Can I Gamble in Thailand? and Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
What happens next
The bill, along with required feedback, is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year1. The government expects it to pass both houses of parliament and become law by 2025, potentially as early as mid-year2. Julapun said the ministry would hold talks with coalition partners to convince them to support the casino-entertainment complex project1. Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said earlier the casino scheme should be discussed by coalition partners before its submission to the cabinet1.
