Thailand pro-casino law, traditionalists against it

A bill to legalize casinos in Thailand could be approved by the current government. The local deputy finance minister said this, while the close prime minister expressed support for an initiative which, in his opinion, creates jobs and income and can finally regulate the flourishing clandestine betting sector,

In the South East Asian country, casinos are illegal, while the only gaming and betting activities allowed are horse racing and lotteries, both sectors controlled by the state. But the ring of illicit gambling, illicit betting on football, as well as lotteries and clandestine casinos are a widespread phenomenon.

Many operators in the gambling industry are convinced that creating a legal gambling market in Thailand would be a great managerial success in a land that is already a global tourism magnet. The prospect would be to create a powerful competitor to the largest global gaming hub, Macau which is the only place in China where it is possible to play and bet.

“We must recognize that the phenomenon of illegal gambling exists in our country, we are trying to get rid of it but it cannot be eliminated completely: it is therefore time to rethink and reorganize everything,” said Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat , adding that the model to emulate would be that of Singapore.

The issue has gained visibility in recent days, with the approval by parliament of a study plan on the possibility of creating multifunctional structures dedicated to entertainment, with casinos, concert halls and spaces for local sports matches such as muay thai, Thai boxing, horse racing and cockfighting, in which betting would be legalised. The plan does not specify how many of these complexes would be created but recommends that they be located no more than 100 kilometers from airports.

Under this plan, private companies would bear the costs of building the sites and manage them, while the government would be responsible for regulation and taxation, Sowawong Thienthong, vice president of the parliamentary committee evaluating the idea, told Reuters news agency.

The real obstacle to the total or partial liberalization of gaming in Thailand is the opposition of the conservative wing, not so much of parliament, whatever it may be, but of the country and its Buddhist tradition, which is against gambling. In a public opinion survey conducted in 2021, in which Thais were asked about the opportunity to legalize betting and casinos, 47 percent of those questioned gave a contrary opinion, citing concerns of a moral nature and related to potential criminogenic effects; 21 percent said they were in favor; finally on the 18th he expressed a partially favorable opinion.

Supporters of legalization say illicit gaming is already entrenched, yet poorly controlled, in Thailand and believe the country would benefit greatly from its regulation,

In Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar and the Philippines have legalized casinos. Imposing complexes have arisen (also) near the borders with Thailand and neighboring countries, specifically targeting potential Thai and Chinese customers, who arrive in large numbers especially on weekends.

“We can regulate the black economy and collect taxes,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tweeted on of the country which this year aims to attract a record 40 million tourists