Casino Bill Advances Toward Legalization
Since its initial approval in principle on January 13, 2025, the draft bill has undergone scrutiny by the Council of State and has been reviewed through three rounds of public hearings. The final public hearing will conclude on March 1, after which the bill will be presented to the Cabinet.
The proposed law aims to regulate Thailand’s underground gambling sector, allowing the establishment of casino-entertainment complexes to generate tax revenue and boost the national economy.
The bill consists of eight key sections, covering:
- Definition of entertainment complexes and their legal scope
- Creation of the Entertainment Complex Policy Committee and its responsibilities
- Formation of a regulatory body to manage oversight and compliance
- Authorities and responsibilities of officials involved in enforcement
- Permit application process and operational guidelines for casino businesses
- Social impact measures, including responsible gambling initiatives
- Penalties for violations and unauthorized operations
- Transitional regulations to align existing businesses with the new framework
Financial Requirements for Casino Operators and Players
The bill establishes strict financial criteria for casino businesses.
- Operators must have at least 10 billion baht (€260 million) in registered capital and be 51% Thai-owned.
- Casino licenses will be valid for 30 years and renewable every 10 years.
- A casino permit fee of 5 billion baht (€130 million) has been set, with an annual renewal fee of 1 billion baht (€26 million).
Additionally, access for Thai nationals will be highly restricted:
- They must pay a 5,000 baht (€130) entrance fee per visit.
- Only individuals over 20 years old can enter.
- Casino visitors must maintain a fixed deposit account of 50 million baht (€1.3 million) to qualify for entry.
These financial restrictions have been designed to discourage Thai citizens from gambling, as confirmed by Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary-General of the Council of State.
“We don’t want the public to be bogged down by this gambling fanfare,” Pakorn told The Bangkok Post. “[The entertainment complexes]
are man-made tourism attractions; that’s the focus, not the gambling. I think if we impose strict measures, we might be able to prevent Thais from entering and becoming gambling addicts.”
Projected Timeline for Casino Development
If enacted, the Entertainment Complex Business Act will be implemented in phases:
- 2026 – A feasibility study will begin, followed by a bidding process for casino operators.
- 2027 – Construction of casino-entertainment complexes is scheduled to commence.
- 2030-2031 – The first casino complexes are expected to open within three to four years of construction.
Debate Over Casino Legislation
The proposal has sparked debate across Thailand. Supporters believe the legalization of casinos could boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute significant tax revenue. Critics, however, argue that gambling addiction and financial risks could outweigh the benefits, even with the preventive measures in the bill.
Despite these concerns, the Thai government continues to push forward with its regulatory plans, with discussions on casino legalization taking center stage as the bill moves closer to approval.
Source:
Casino bill draft to be ready for Cabinet approval early next month, nationthailand.com, February 20, 2025.