BANGKOK - A Bill that would legalise casinos in Thailand could be passed in the current government’s term, an official said on March 29, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin backed a move he said would create jobs and revenue and regulate a thriving illicit gaming sector.

Casinos are illegal in Thailand, and the only gambling allowed is on state-controlled horse races and the lottery, though illicit gambling is commonplace, with underground casinos and soccer betting rife.

Many in the industry believe a legal casino market in Thailand would be a huge success in drawing overseas visitors, providing strong competition for the world’s biggest gambling hub, Macau, the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos.

“We have to admit that there is illegal gambling in the country, we are trying to get rid of it, but it cannot be wiped out, so we have to rethink and see that it is time for this,” Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters, adding that Singapore would be a model to emulate.

The issue has gained traction in recent days as Parliament approved a plan to study the possibility of creating entertainment complexes that would house casinos, as well as other features like concert halls and venues for local sports like muay thai boxing, cockfights and horse racing, at which bets could be placed.

The plan did not specify how many such complexes would be created but it recommended they be located within 100km of airports. Thailand is targeting a record 40 million foreign visitors this year.

Under the proposal, private companies would shoulder the cost of construction and operation while the government would be responsible for taxing and regulation, said Mr Sorawong Thienthong, vice-chairman of the parliamentary committee.

Conservative resistance

Legalisation of gambling has been discussed in the past, but no government has gone ahead due to public opposition and resistance from conservatives in the predominantly Buddhist country.

In a 2021 opinion poll, 47 per cent of respondents opposed legalising gambling over concerns about crime and morality, while 21 per cent were supportive and 18 per cent were partially in agreement with the idea.

Advocates have said illicit gambling is already entrenched but poorly policed in Thailand and the country would benefit considerably from regulating it.

In South-east Asia, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar and the Philippines have legalised casinos. Huge complexes exist in border towns of Thailand’s immediate neighbours, catering overwhelmingly to Thai and Chinese customers, many on weekend junkets.

“We can regulate the grey economy and collect taxes,” Mr Srettha said on social media platform X.

“We do not want to promote gambling, but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs.”

The Cabinet would have to submit a draft law to Parliament for consideration, he added. REUTERS