# Thailand to Legalize Casinos Next Year, Opening Doors for International Investors

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/175719-thailand-plans-to-legalize-casinos-next-year-boosting-opportunities-for-global-investors
- Published: 2024-11-19T07:28:00+07:00
- Author: Jeff Pinchuck

**Thailand plans to legalize casinos in 2025 to attract foreign investments, enhance
tourism, and boost gaming revenue, positioning itself as a significant player in
the global gaming market.**

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## Key Points

 * Thailand plans to legalize casinos in 2025 to attract foreign investment and 
   increase tax revenue. The government is working on an “entertainment complex”
   bill, which will allow casinos within large venues, with expectations of initial
   approval by the Cabinet later this year.
 * If passed, it could position Thailand as a major player in the global gaming 
   industry, potentially generating up to $9.1 billion in gross gaming revenue, 
   making it the third-largest market after Macau and Las Vegas. Prominent investors
   are showing interest in entering the Thai market.
 * Proposed legislation includes required Thai registration for complex operators
   and significant capital investment. Initially, the government may issue five 
   casino licenses in popular tourist areas, alongside other businesses like hotels
   and restaurants within the complexes.

Thailand is poised to legalize casinos by 2025, a strategic move aimed at attracting
foreign investment and enhancing tax revenue, particularly in light of the nation’s
burgeoning tourism sector. The proposed legislation, designed as an “entertainment
complex” bill, would allow casinos to operate within large venues, thus creating
an integrated entertainment experience. Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced that the Cabinet plans to approve
this bill before it is presented to both houses of parliament for consideration 
in the forthcoming year.

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The legislative process is expected to be thorough, involving multiple readings 
in each chamber, and it could take up to six months for the law to pass. Although
the bill’s passage is anticipated next year, further administrative steps will be
essential before any casinos commence operations. Analysts from Citigroup posit 
that, if executed successfully, Thailand could emerge as a significant player in
the global gaming market, potentially generating gross gaming revenue of USD 9.1
billion and positioning the country as the third largest market globally, trailing
only Macau and Las Vegas.

Interest from major gaming operators such as Galaxy Entertainment Group and MGM 
Resorts International has emerged as they seek new opportunities, especially given
the uncertain gaming landscape in Macau. The proposed framework stipulates that 
only Thai-registered companies with a minimum capital of 10 billion baht can operate
these entertainment complexes, with licenses costing 5 billion baht in the initial
year and 1 billion baht for subsequent years.

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The report indicates that the Thai government may initially issue five casino licenses
in key tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Despite stringent gambling prohibitions since 1936, a significant portion of the
Thai populace engages in gambling activities, often traveling to neighboring countries
to do so, underscoring a robust demand for regulated gaming opportunities within
Thailand itself.

**Source** : [Thailand aims to legalise casinos next year in win for global players](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/thailand-aims-legalise-casinos-next-year-win-global-players?rand=157097)