The Thai government is currently working on a draft bill that will legalize casino resorts by 2025. Prommin Lertsuridej, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra‘s secretary-general, told Bloomberg that the draft law might be approved by the cabinet before the year is up. The law may take up to six months to pass after it is introduced in parliament.
Prommin added, “The law should be passed in six months from now at the earliest, so it should be next year to start.”
Authorities have received interest from several global investors with extensive experience in casino operations, though specifics remain undisclosed. Recommendations from public consultations regarding the proposal have already been forwarded to the national government for review.
Key Provisions and Market Potential
The draft legislation outlines plans for casino resorts within multi-purpose “entertainment complexes.” Proposed licenses for these facilities would initially last 30 years, with an option to renew for an additional 10 years. Only limited companies or public limited companies registered in Thailand with a minimum paid-up capital of THB10 billion (approximately US$286.9 million) would qualify to operate. The tax rate for gaming activities is suggested at 17%.
According to Citigroup, a fully established Thai gaming sector could generate an estimated US$9.1 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR). This performance would surpass Singapore’s current casino market and position Thailand just behind industry giants like Macau and Las Vegas. Analysts predict licenses could be awarded in major hubs such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai—locations known for their thriving tourism.
Morgan Stanley, in a recent report, highlighted the significant interest from global casino operators. They project Thailand’s potential GGR could reach between US$4 billion and US$6 billion annually, making it one of the most attractive emerging markets for gaming investments.
Casino operators, including firms from Macau, have already expressed interest in Thailand’s burgeoning gaming market. If successful, the legislation could transform the country into a leading player in the global casino industry.
The post Thailand Moves Towards Legalizing Casino Resorts by 2025 appeared first on iGaming.org.