Thailand is one step closer to becoming the latest Asian country to legalize gambling and casinos.
With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra saying that the addition of the gaming industry offers the chance for a boost in tourism as well as new jobs and investment, the government’s cabinet has drafted a bill.
“Legalization will protect the public and would also generate more state revenue,” the prime minister said this week.
Gambling is officially illegal in Thailand, but underground gambling is prevalent, according to reports.
The issue would still have to be studied by the country’s parliament. Thailand has considered legalizing gambling in the past, but efforts never panned out. Shinawatra hopes there is a different outcome this time around.
The government estimates that legalization could see tourism grow by 5-10%, bringing in from $3.5 billion to $6.3 billion in revenue, and add as many as 15,000 jobs.
The country has southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and adding casino gambling would allow Thailand to compete with other gaming countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea, and online casinos in Singapore.
Growing Asian Market
Gambling remains extremely popular in Asia. Macau, the only legalized casino destination in China, recently saw 2024 casino revenue top official estimates by
the government.
Japan has also legalized casinos with construction now underway on a gaming resort in Osaka. The massive resort is expected to open in 2029 and will include hotels, a conference center, shopping mall, museum and more.
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