Thailand wants to legalise gambling across the board

Thailand wants to massively increase its state revenue by legalising gambling. The state in Southeast Asia is planning additional tax revenue totalling several hundred million dollars. But how sensible are the plans in view of the high costs that can arise from problem gambling behaviour, for example?

Back in the summer of 2022, we at GambleJoe reported that the Thai government was planning to legalise gambling. In the meantime, however, the plans have apparently become more concrete. The legalisation of casinos is expected to generate additional tax revenue of 360 million dollars per year. This is equivalent to around 327 million euros. However, it is not only the legalisation of casinos that is planned here, but also the legalisation of the ‘fun economy’, which includes, for example, the conference and exhibition industry as well as sporting events.

Greater appeal to tourists through gambling legalisation?

Thailand wants to further establish itself as a tourism hotspot in Southeast Asia and hopes that the legalisation of gambling will make it more attractive. Whether significantly more tourists will actually be attracted if casinos and other games of chance are legalised remains questionable. The fact is, however, that there are other cities, such as Macau, that have achieved international fame thanks to their gambling sector.

According to current calculations, Thailand could collect the equivalent of around 327 million euros more in taxes per year as a result of gambling legalisation. The ruling Pheu Thai party plans to invest the additional revenue in public health and education in particular. The legalisation of gambling activities could therefore account for more than 50 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). As recently as April of this year, we at GambleJoe reported that Thailand had blocked over 25,000 gambling sites in order to combat illegal offers.

In 2022, we at GambleJoe reported that a vending machine operator in Thailand had been arrested for illegal gambling. However, he was ultimately acquitted.

Which locations could be interesting for the gambling sector in Thailand?

As the ‘Bangkok Post’ recently reported, in addition to the capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai in the northern part of the country and the island of Phuket, which is popular with tourists, are particularly attractive locations for casinos and other gambling offers. In some of Thailand's neighbouring countries, such as Myanmar and Laos, gambling is already largely permitted. A number of casino complexes have been built here in recent years, most of which are very popular with locals and tourists.

The current plans envisage that a political committee will be set up first. This committee will deal with the necessary rules and protective measures that will be required in the casinos.

The current situation in Thailand is that most types of gambling are still banned in the country. However, the Thai government recently decided to legalise cannabis. By taking the step of legalising casinos, Thailand wants to present itself as even more liberal and presumably attract more people to the country.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/stadt-bangkok-nacht-city-scape-4864747/