As proposed, the Thai government is set to begin preliminary discussions on legalising online gambling, alongside its plans to open the nation’s first casino by 2029.
According to a report in the , Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has called for officials from various ministries to work together on the legal amendments necessary to regulate online gambling. Prasert, who also serves as the , said that a plan to regulate the gambling sector should be completed within the next few months.
Economic benefits and social concerns
While Prasert admitted that the challenges surrounding online gambling has been linked to criminal activities , particularly among the youth, he stressed that properly regulated and taxed online gaming platforms could benefit the country’s economy. He said, “Online gambling platforms see massive amounts of money pass through them every day, which, if taxed properly, would be good for the economy.”
Meanwhile, the minister further stated that there have been no discussions yet regarding the age limit for online gambling sites, despite former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s suggestion to restrict access to those over 20 years old. Shinawatra has recently said that regulated online gambling could be beneficial for both the economy and society, as it would address the growing underground market.
Casino legislation and future plans
In addition to regulated gambling push, Thailand’s government is also working on legislation to open land-based casinos. The government is expected to pass the entertainment complex bill, which will allow casinos to operate in large-scale venues, in 2025.
Speaking to earlier last year, Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej said, “The law should be passed in six months at the earliest, so it should be next year to start.” However, he clarified that administrative steps would follow before casinos can begin operations. The legislative process involves multiple readings in the House of Representatives and Senate, which typically take months to complete.
Licenses and regulations
Discussions are currently underway regarding tax regulations, the total number of licenses, and potential casino locations. The government plans to initially grant five casino licenses, with two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Only Thai-registered companies with a minimum capital of 10 billion baht (€273.4 million/$275 million USD) will qualify to operate these complexes. Licensing fees include an initial payment of 5 billion baht (€136.7 million/$137.5 million USD) and an annual fee of 1 billion baht (€27.3 million/$27.5 million USD).
The draft law allows Thai citizens to access casinos with an entry fee of up to 5,000 baht (€137/$138 USD) per visit. Operators will hold 30-year concessions, renewable every 10 years. The bill proposes that 10% of the complex’s floor space be dedicated to gaming activities, doubling the earlier 5% suggestion.
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