The Thai government has made changes to its plan for legalizing casinos to reduce gambling addiction risks and control who can participate. Over the weekend, officials announced updates to the Entertainment Complex Bill, limiting casino activities to only 10% of entertainment venues. This move reflects a more cautious approach to legal gambling in Thailand.
Understanding the Updated Plan
Thailand aims to allow casinos inside larger entertainment complexes, mixing them with other attractions like hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. The revised plan includes these key points:
- Casinos can take up no more than 10% of the total space in an entertainment complex. This ensures that gambling is just one part of a larger leisure experience.
- Thai residents who want to gamble will face new disclosure requirements, which may include tracking their activity or setting limits.
These restrictions balance the economic benefits of casinos with concerns about gambling addiction and social impacts. While the government hopes to attract more tourists and boost the economy, it also wants to protect local communities.
Public Concerns and Opposition
The plan comes at a time when many Thais are against legalizing casinos. A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration found that 59% of people do not support entertainment complexes with casinos, and 69% oppose online gambling. Many believe that government-run casinos do not align with modern Thai society. However, given the rapid growth of online gaming worldwide, legalization seems inevitable in the future.
Economic and Social Impact
Bringing legal casinos to Thailand could bring major financial benefits. Supporters say it could create between 9,000 and 15,000 new jobs and increase tourism, especially in key cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
The government has proposed a 17% tax on casino earnings, which could generate up to THB 100 billion ($2.88 billion) per year. This money would help fund public services and development projects. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has also supported the idea, seeing it as a potential economic boost.
To address addiction and social problems, the government plans to enforce strict gambling regulations. While details are still unclear, they aim to prevent excessive gambling and protect at-risk groups.
How Thailand Compares to Other Countries
Many international companies are watching Thailand’s casino legalization process. Reports suggest that six major casino operators are interested in entering the Thai market. These companies plan to develop full entertainment complexes rather than standalone casinos.
Nearby countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar already have casino resorts. Thai officials have studied their models to improve their approach. The goal is to offer more than just gambling, making these complexes attractive to a wider audience.
Despite the financial benefits, many Thais are skeptical about legal casinos. Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country, and many people worry that gambling could harm society. However, illegal gambling already exists in the country, and many locals use offshore casinos. Legalizing gambling could help regulate the industry and reduce risks from unlicensed operators.
Next Steps for the Legislation
The bill still needs approval from the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Council of State is currently reviewing it, and debates continue in the public and political spheres.
If the law passes, the government will set up the Office of the Full-Service Entertainment Regulatory Commission. This group will oversee the casino industry, ensuring it follows rules and addresses social concerns. Activists and independent organizations will closely monitor its performance.
Even with approval, Thailand will need strong regulations to balance economic benefits with social responsibilities. If managed well, the country could attract tourists while minimizing the risks of gambling addiction.
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes is a major shift in policy. The government is trying to find a middle ground—boosting tourism and economic growth while preventing gambling-related problems. If successful, Thailand could set an example for other countries looking to regulate gambling.
The outcome of this effort will be watched by both Thai citizens and international casino operators. If done right, it could bring in significant revenue and curb illegal gambling. By learning from other countries, Thailand has the chance to create a legal casino industry that fits its cultural and social values.
We hope to keep bringing you more updated news about the gambling industry world, and if you liked this article we recommend another interesting article about A UK gambling regulator report that claims most people are not primarily motivated by money to gamble.
