The cabinet’s approval paves the way for a vote by the country’s House of Representatives
Thailand’s government has taken a major step toward legalizing casinos, with the cabinet approving a bill that would allow the establishment of entertainment complexes featuring gambling facilities. The proposed legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for further review. If it passes, it will require approval from the Senate and the king before becoming law.
Under the proposed framework, casinos would be part of larger entertainment venues and would be restricted to designated areas. Companies operating these establishments would need to be registered in Thailand and meet a minimum capital requirement of THB10 billion (approximately US$283 million).
A special policy panel led by the prime minister, along with a regulatory agency, would be responsible for overseeing the industry and determining the types of projects permitted. Casinos would be limited to occupying less than 10% of each entertainment complex.
One of the more debated aspects of the bill is the restriction on Thai citizens seeking to enter casinos. Under the current draft, locals would need to pay an entry fee of THB5,000 (US$150) and provide proof of at least THB50 million (US$1.5 million) in fixed deposits. This requirement has faced criticism for being too exclusive, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledging the concerns while noting that potential amendments could be made later.
Economic analysts predict that legalized casinos in Thailand could generate nearly $1.91 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, surpassing Singapore’s casino market. While a government survey found strong public support for the measure, other polls indicate concerns over potential social and economic downsides. Some officials have also warned that the move could discourage Chinese tourism, as Beijing has historically restricted travel to gambling destinations.
