The government in Thailand will soon begin initial discussions on the potential legalization of online gambling.
According to the Bangkok Post, the news came from Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong.
The local paper reports Mr Prasert said on Monday that an official study into the plan is expected to wrap up in the next couple of months.
This new move comes after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that regulating online gambling, rather than pushing it underground, would be good for the economy and society.
Imagine a Thailand where gambling is no longer underground. With plans to legalise casinos and introduce entertainment complexes, the government is betting on a high-stakes strategy to attract tourists and unlock a new source of national income. The question is: can they strike… pic.twitter.com/unp71GSDnT
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) January 6, 2025
Thailand has had a long history when it comes to its approach to gambling. All forms of it, other than betting on horse racing or the government-sponsored lottery, is prohibited.
The gambling act was first passed in 1930 and then revised in 1935. While there was once a decision to legalize gambling in the Pran Buri District, this was overturned and abandoned by the government due to public and media scrutiny.
Officers have previously cracked down on online and on-site gambling, including during the UEFA European Football Championship when 2,600 arrests were made.
Future of online gambling and casinos in Thailand is to be decided on
Now though, this could all change as the future of online gambling in Thailand will be re-visited by the current government.
There are also talks of the country’s entertainment complex bill potentially being passed this year by the Thai Parliament. If it does go into effect, this will allow casinos to operate within large-scale venues.
Local media suggests the government could initially grant five casino licenses, including two in Bangkok and then one in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
In August, the Council of State published the Casino Bill draft and opened it up to feedback from the public. It’s believed this will allow casinos to have an initial license for 30 years with then an option of renewing for another 10 years.
These would be housed in large entertainment complexes, with a number of gambling companies reported to have already expressed interest.
Alongside casinos, the complexes could also be home to hotels and shopping centers.
Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram
