Thailand's plan for casino legalization solidifies with a proposed law establishing initial grounds for operation
Thailand is currently in a transitional phase regarding the legalization of casinos, with the government cautiously moving forward. Despite the interest of major players like MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts, no casino licenses have been issued yet due to political, social, and legal concerns.
The proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, which would have allowed fully licensed casino resorts in major Thai cities like Bangkok and Pattaya, was withdrawn in July 2025. Consequently, there is no detailed legal framework yet specifying license requirements, fees, or location restrictions for casinos in Thailand.
The Thai government is considering the location of new casinos to benefit job market and infrastructure in regions that are currently not tourist hotspots. However, no official location restrictions have been set due to the stalled legislation. The proposed bill envisioned integrated casino resorts in major urban centers, but it was shelved, so no formal rules are fixed for casinos yet.
Industry voices urge Thailand to adopt regulatory clarity and frameworks similar to neighboring jurisdictions like Singapore and Cambodia. Proposals exist for high entry fees to control gambling, but these are still just proposals.
The cost of obtaining a gambling license in Thailand is a hefty 5 billion baht (approximately 128.5 million euros). Operators renewing their licenses will have to pay another 5 billion baht. Annual fees for operating a gambling establishment amount to 1 billion baht.
Despite the lack of official details, a study suggests that tourism revenues from casinos could increase by 52 percent, accounting for 1.16 percent of Thailand's GDP. The first casinos in Thailand are not expected to open before 2029.
The Thai government has taken steps to combat illegal gambling, blocking over 25,000 links to gambling websites. The government also aims to create a smooth legal market to prevent the thriving of the black market. Violations of gambling laws in Thailand can result in fines and imprisonment.
In July 2025, the Interior Ministry removed restrictions on poker, marking a shift toward legalizing specific games, but this is distinct from full casino legalization. Emerging ideas include adopting AI-based monitoring for responsible gambling rather than traditional controls like entry fees, but this is theoretical at this stage for Thailand.
As Thailand moves towards full casino legalization, it is clear that the government is aiming for a controlled and regulated market. The exact details of the regulatory framework are yet to be seen, as the government continues to work on a comprehensive plan to ensure the responsible and beneficial integration of casinos into Thai society.
In light of Thailand's potential moves towards full casino legalization, concerns regarding the integration of online casinos in Germany, sports betting, and weather conditions might arise. For instance, online casinos located in Germany could potentially attract Thai tourists seeking a familiar gaming experience, while weather conditions could influence the decision of placing casinos in underdeveloped tourist regions. Moreover, the emergence of sports as a key factor in casino revenue streams could prompt Thai authorities to consider hosting international sports events as a means of promoting tourism and revenue generation.
