Thailand Deputy PM supports expansion of legal gambling

The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsuthin, has expressed support for expanding legal gambling, particularly sports betting, in order to raise tax revenue for social welfare programs. He believes that society would benefit if the significant sums associated with online gambling were directed toward helping those in need, such as the elderly, the disabled, and underprivileged children.

Thailand currently permits gambling on events like cockfights and bullfights, but many other forms of gambling, including football, are still prohibited. The Deputy Prime Minister thinks that making some activities like sports wagering legal and taxed might be financially advantageous for both the government and the populace.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, around 1,700 individuals were imprisoned in Thailand on gambling-related offenses. The government has taken action to combat online gambling. According to Prasert Chantararuangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, this year, 4,400 gambling websites were shut down and 6,000 online gambling incidents were subject to legal action.

Thepsuthin’s concept, which might result in a win-win situation for the government and people in need, aims to take use of gambling’s revenue potential while using it to help the population’s most vulnerable groups.

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Original story by: Gambling Insider