On January 13, the Thailand cabinet has approved a draft law today to legalize gambling and casinos in the Southeast Asian nation.
The Integrated Entertainment Business Act, or Entertainment Complex Bill, proposes allowing casinos in integrated resorts. Thailand’s cabinet has forwarded the draft to parliament for review, with potential approval by mid-2025, pending both Senate and House consent.
Thailand enforces a near-total gambling ban, allowing only a few legal options, such as state-controlled horse racing and the official lottery. Despite this, illegal gambling remains a widespread issue. The cabinet aims to address these challenges with the new law, promoting safe and regulated gambling environments.
The government of Thailand mentioned:
The draft bill outlines several stringent requirements and regulations for operating casinos within integrated resorts:
Non-Gaming Attractions: Resorts must include at least four attractions beyond gaming, such as hotels, stadiums, concert halls, theme parks, restaurants, clubs, or retail spaces. Gaming areas are capped at 5% of the total resort area.
Licensing Terms: Licences are valid for 30 years, with a mandatory evaluation every five years. Operators can renew their licences for additional 10-year periods.
Eligibility Criteria: Licence applicants must be registered in Thailand and possess a paid-up capital of at least THB10 billion (£237m/€286m/$288m).
Fees: Successful applicants must pay an initial THB4.9 billion per license, along with an annual fee of THB1 billion.
Taxation: The draft proposes a 17% tax on gross gaming revenue, contributing to the government’s oversight and regulatory efforts.
Initial Licences: Five casino licenses will be granted initially—two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Regulation: The Office of the Full-Service Entertainment Regulatory Commission will monitor and regulate the gambling market to ensure compliance.
Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar have seen significant benefits from large casino complexes. Thailand aims to follow suit with the draft law’s approval. Legalizing gambling and casinos could boost foreign visitor numbers by 5%-10%, with tourism revenue potentially increasing by THB220 billion, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Additionally, the move could create 9,000 to 15,000 new jobs, contributing to economic growth and employment opportunities.
The Integrated Entertainment Business Act, or Entertainment Complex Bill, proposes allowing casinos in integrated resorts. Thailand’s cabinet has forwarded the draft to parliament for review, with potential approval by mid-2025, pending both Senate and House consent.
Thailand enforces a near-total gambling ban, allowing only a few legal options, such as state-controlled horse racing and the official lottery. Despite this, illegal gambling remains a widespread issue. The cabinet aims to address these challenges with the new law, promoting safe and regulated gambling environments.
The government of Thailand mentioned:
The draft bill outlines several stringent requirements and regulations for operating casinos within integrated resorts:
Non-Gaming Attractions: Resorts must include at least four attractions beyond gaming, such as hotels, stadiums, concert halls, theme parks, restaurants, clubs, or retail spaces. Gaming areas are capped at 5% of the total resort area.
Licensing Terms: Licences are valid for 30 years, with a mandatory evaluation every five years. Operators can renew their licences for additional 10-year periods.
Eligibility Criteria: Licence applicants must be registered in Thailand and possess a paid-up capital of at least THB10 billion (£237m/€286m/$288m).
Fees: Successful applicants must pay an initial THB4.9 billion per license, along with an annual fee of THB1 billion.
Taxation: The draft proposes a 17% tax on gross gaming revenue, contributing to the government’s oversight and regulatory efforts.
Initial Licences: Five casino licenses will be granted initially—two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Regulation: The Office of the Full-Service Entertainment Regulatory Commission will monitor and regulate the gambling market to ensure compliance.
Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar have seen significant benefits from large casino complexes. Thailand aims to follow suit with the draft law’s approval. Legalizing gambling and casinos could boost foreign visitor numbers by 5%-10%, with tourism revenue potentially increasing by THB220 billion, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Additionally, the move could create 9,000 to 15,000 new jobs, contributing to economic growth and employment opportunities.
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