Thailand's government is eyeing to legalize online gambling, a few months after it submitted a proposal to legalize land-based casinos within entertainment complexes.
Thailand's government will now start to discuss legalizing online gambling. This comes as Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy starts to explore more revenue options from entertainment and tourism.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who is also the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, said on January 7 that they are expected to wrap up the measure in the next couple of months.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra previously said regulating online gambling would benefit the economy and society.
Prasert noted that online gambling platforms handle substantial sums of money daily, and appropriate taxation "would be good for the economy." Regarding the proposal to restrict online gambling access for those under 20, Prasert stated that this had not yet been discussed.
Most forms of gambling are currently illegal in Thailand, with the exemption of state-run lottery and horse racing. This is part of Thailand's thrust to draw in more revenue through the gaming industry. They are currently pushing to legalize casinos nestled in Integrated Resorts, which they aim to approve by the end of 2025.
Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej indicated late last year that the government expects its draft bill on entertainment complexes to be enacted into law in 2025, potentially by mid-year, after passing through both houses of parliament.
While this may be the case, studies remain skeptical of Thailand’s ability to regulate casinos and similar establishments. TGM Research’s “TGM Gambling & Sports Betting Report 2024” revealed “polarizing” public views on the industry, despite widespread underground gambling.
TGM Research CEO Greg Laski noted the popularity of gambling in Thailand across demographics, acknowledging its current illegality and the divided opinions on legalization. He emphasized the opportunities in legalizing gambling but stressed the need to address existing challenges.
Thailand last May pushed for a crackdown on illegal betting operations, in a preemptive move towards legalizing some forms of gambling. Just last January 5, Thailand police seized 121 cars linked to illegal online gambling rings.
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