Thailand Takes Major Step Toward Legalising Land-Based Casinos

This development represents a significant milestone in the country’s exploration of gambling as a regulated industry. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the approval, stating that the legalisation would safeguard the public and increase state revenues.

The move to legalise casino resorts has been on Thailand's agenda for some time, with several international operators expressing interest in the emerging market. This approval aligns with broader trends in Southeast Asia, where nations are increasingly turning to integrated resorts to boost tourism. The success of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and the recent opening of Mohegan’s Inspire resort in South Korea have intensified competition in the region. With questions surrounding Macau's dominance, countries like Thailand see casino resorts as a potential catalyst for economic growth.

Currently, Thailand permits only state-controlled horseracing and an official lottery as legal forms of gambling. The addition of casino resorts could diversify the nation’s tourism offerings, appealing to international visitors and capitalising on the region's growing interest in gaming entertainment. However, this approval pertains only to a draft law, meaning further legislative and regulatory steps are needed before casinos become a reality.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn, who is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has echoed her father’s sentiments in supporting casino legalisation. Thaksin, in August, publicly endorsed the move, highlighting its potential benefits for the economy. The draft law is seen as a response to increasing competition in Southeast Asia and growing domestic demand for regulated gambling options.

Meanwhile, discussions on legalising online gaming in Thailand also recently surfaced, but the Cabinet’s focus on land-based casinos underscores the government’s prioritisation of physical resorts as a means of economic stimulus. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect Thailand’s gambling landscape, particularly regarding the future of the state-run N3 lottery, which faces uncertainty.

This decision positions Thailand as a potential major player in the casino industry, echoing sentiments expressed in Gambling Insider's November/December analysis. With Southeast Asia emerging as a hotspot for gaming and tourism, Thailand's progress in legalising casinos could mark a turning point for the region.