6 Reasons Why Thailand is Getting Closer to Casino Legalization
The year 2024 could be a determining milestone in Thailand’s history of gambling. The country introduced the Gambling Act in 1935 to stop all forms of gambling except for the government-run lottery and horse race betting at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Thailand has maintained its hardline up to the present time, claiming it was necessary to prevent addiction, crime, and money laundering.
From a Severe Ban to a Possibility for Legalization
Gambling in Thailand has never been unknown to the population: despite restrictive anti-gambling laws, illegal gambling spots and online operators continue to offer their services throughout the country. As a consequence, the government’s treasury has been missing considerable revenue for several decades, while locals have been exposed to potential scams and underground gambling operators.
The Gambling Act of 1935 focuses on banning all non-government-run gambling activities. However, the ban doesn’t provide oversight and regulation to stop illegal operators. This loophole causes a confusing situation. Currently, Thai gamblers (and everyone who wants to dive into Thai culture) can access these verified and licensed Thai online casinos. Although Thailand has severe anti-gambling laws for land-based casino activities, the online side has always been a free land for the best casino entertainment.
Following the footprints of regulated online casino operators, the government might be at a step from legalizing the casino market throughout the country.
Reasons for Moving Towards Casino Legalization
What’s changing in Thailand about gambling? Well, time goes on while things naturally change, such as culture. From this viewpoint, Thais developed a sensible feeling about the casino culture through online resources. It would be nonsense if the government maintained a ban on something that is accessible online. But there are also more reasons behind the formation of a House Committee to examine the possibility of casino legalization in Thailand. Here are the major factors that push for the demand for casino legalization:
1) Economy
As mentioned above, illegal gambling deprives the government of significant revenues yearly. Casino legalization could help reap lost funds and integrate them within government programs or social services.
2) Tourism
Thailand’s economy lives on the tourism industry. Creating land-based casino resorts and legal betting companies could boost the tourism flow, create job opportunities for locals, and generate tax revenue for the country’s treasury. Hotels and resorts with integrated casino houses could relaunch Thailand by diversifying its dominant tourism-based economy.
3) Competition
The experience of neighboring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, which have already removed all casino bans, represents an unquestionable lesson for Thailand. Both neighbors have established a solid gambling industry, which accounts for large revenues.
4) Gamblers’ Migration
Since Vietnam and Cambodia offer free casino gaming, many Thai gamblers travel to reach land-based casino venues across national borders. The result is a considerable economic loss of Thai money spent outside the territory. Casino legalization in Thailand would stop this trend and stimulate domestic gambling.
5) Reducing Illegality
Another reason why Thailand is considering moving towards a definitive removal of its gambling ban is the presence of underground operators. The activities of illegal operators raise many concerns about tax evasion, organized crime, and irresponsible gambling behaviors. A solid regulation could stop the growth of illegal operators and provide gamblers with a safe environment.
6) Responsibility
The legalization of gambling gives the government a chance to enforce responsible measures among local gamblers to prevent them from developing addiction. Measures like age restrictions and preventive programs would support Thais to have a well-balanced and safe gaming experience.
To Recap It All
Thailand still maintains the Gambling Act of 1935, a ban on casino activities that resulted in several negative consequences for the country, such as the surge of illegal operators, the loss of revenues generated from their activities, and the migration of Thai gamblers to neighboring countries.
Recently, the government has formed a House of Committee to discuss the possibility of legalizing casinos. Behind this breaking change, there are at least six different reasons: the need to boost the local economy, which is tourism-dependent, competing with neighboring countries where casinos are legal, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, reducing illegality, and spreading awareness and responsibility among the local population of gamblers.
However, casino legalization might raise further concerns about social problems, like the increase in gambling addiction rate or the resistance from Buddhist groups who consider gambling immoral and harmful. The Thai government needs to establish a solid regulatory framework, including restrictive measures to prevent addiction emergence. Casino legalization in Thailand requires a careful examination of all these factors to pave the way for a balanced law framework between economic benefits and social impact.