Gambling Legislation

Thailand’s Casino Legalization Initiative Ends for 2025

Thailand's Casino Legalization Initiative Ends for 2025
Follow by Email
WhatsApp
Copy link
URL has been copied successfully!

The government is officially putting the plans on hold amid public resistance and political scandals

Thailand’s initiative to legalize casinos and entertainment complexes has come to an abrupt halt for 2025. Just recently, the Thai cabinet decided to withdraw a draft law intended to establish a regulated gambling industry. The government cited the need for more public consultation and understanding before proceeding with the proposal.

The plan to legalize casinos was initially part of the government’s broader vision to develop a thriving gaming industry to complement the country’s tourism sector, a major economic driver. The draft bill was scheduled for debate in parliament on Wednesday, but the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court last week, coupled with the recent departure of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition, left the government with a slim majority in parliament. These political uncertainties made it difficult to secure the necessary support for the bill’s passage.

Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that the issues raised by the bill required more time for public engagement and, therefore, it was best to withdraw it from parliamentary deliberations for the time being. The spokesperson did not specify when the bill might be reintroduced.

Gambling is largely illegal in Thailand, with exceptions for the state-run lottery and some sports betting, including horse racing. Despite this, successive governments have pushed for the legalization of casinos, hoping that they would attract more international visitors, create jobs, and generate additional state revenue. The Pheu Thai party had hoped to secure investments worth at least 100 billion baht ($3 billion) and anticipated a 10% increase in foreign tourist arrivals.

However, the proposal faced significant opposition. A January opinion poll showed that many Thais disapproved of the idea, and some political groups argued that the legalization of gambling would lead to increased social problems. With the bill’s withdrawal, the future of Thailand’s casino legalization efforts remains uncertain.

Secure Banking

Safer Gambling

Our Responsible Gambling program verifies that all players are of legal age and provides customizable self-exclusion tools for our tables, sportsbook, and casino.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Maximize your income through our affiliate marketing. Learn more >
Copyright © 2025 | ACRpoker.eu | T&Cs | All Rights Reserved
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Select the software version that is right for your Mac

How to find my chip architecture?