Thailand's Office of the Council of State released a draft casino regulation on Monday February 17, 2025 that would require Thai nationals to hold at least 50 million baht ($1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months before they could enter a casino1. The draft also caps the entry fee at 5,000 baht and limits the casino area to no more than 10% of the entire complex space1.
The deposit threshold would effectively exclude most of the population in a country where per capita gross domestic product is about $7,300, according to government data1. Daniel Cheng, a Singapore-based gaming consultant, said an entry fee as high as 5,000 baht would restrict casino access to upper middle class and wealthier Thai individuals1.
"A further 50 million baht bank deposit requirement would render Thai casinos no better than foreigner-only regimes like South Korea's."
Most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand, but illicit betting is widespread1. The country permits state-controlled horse racing, the lottery and betting on some sports such as boxing1. A Citi report late last year estimated that about half of people age 20 and over in Thailand could be casino players, a base that could make the country the world's third largest gambling destination1.
The government, led by the Pheu Thai party, hopes to attract at least 100 billion baht ($3 billion) in new investment, lift foreign arrivals by 5% to 10% a year and generate more than 12 billion baht in annual revenue1. This year it expects 38 million foreign arrivals, close to the pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million tourists1. An opinion poll last month found most Thais oppose the casino plan, and some political parties argue a gambling industry would worsen social problems1.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Thai national deposit | At least 50 million baht ($1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months |
| Entry fee | Capped at 5,000 baht |
| Casino floor space | Up to 10% of the entire complex |
What it means for players
For Thai nationals, the draft as written would place casino entry out of reach for anyone without 50 million baht held in fixed deposits for six months, plus an entry fee of up to 5,000 baht1. That is a far higher bar than the current legal options of state-controlled horse racing, the lottery and betting on some sports such as boxing1. Foreign visitors would not face the deposit requirement under the draft, though the entry fee cap and the 10% floor-space limit would shape what a casino complex looks like1. Most gambling in Thailand remains illegal, and illicit betting is described as rife1. No licensing process, operator list or opening dates have been reported.
What happens next
Fresh public hearings on the draft law will be held between February 15 and March 11. After they conclude, the draft must be approved by cabinet before being sent to parliament for deliberation1. No dates for cabinet or parliamentary consideration have been reported.
For background on how the draft fits with other markets, see Recent and Pending Gambling Law Changes in Asia and New Casino Laws in Asia: Integrated Resorts and Pending Bills. The current legal position in the country is set out in Can I Gamble in Thailand?, and the foreigner-only model cited in the draft is explained in Can I Gamble in South Korea?. A regional overview is in Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
