Thailand moves toward legal casinos with public support

A recent poll suggests that up to 80% of Thai citizens may support the introduction of legal casinos in the country, even as concerns remain about potential negative social impacts.

The findings follow the Thai cabinet’s January approval of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which would allow up to five casino resorts in the predominantly Buddhist nation.

Supporters of the bill point to the potential for billions in investment, increased tourism revenue, and a significant boost to Thailand’s post-pandemic economic recovery. In 2024, the country welcomed 36.5 million international visitors, who contributed roughly 172 billion baht (around $47.1 billion), equivalent to 12% of GDP. The government believes integrated resorts could more than double this income and create tens of thousands of new jobs.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently referred to the initiative as a potential “game-changer,” noting that the Thai economy needs a new engine for growth.

However, public opinion remains divided. Anti-casino protests have taken place, including a demonstration at the Government House on 12 March.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, mentioned:

There is no need to expedite return to the cabinet. Let all issues be thoroughly examined first, because Thailand has never had casinos before.

Still, a public consultation held from 28 February to 14 March by the finance ministry showed strong support for the bill, with roughly 80% of 70,000 participants backing the proposal, according to Bloomberg. This wave of public approval could encourage major international operators to move forward with plans to enter the Thai market.

Global players like MGM Resorts, Genting Singapore, and Las Vegas Sands have expressed interest, while Melco Resorts has already set up an office in Bangkok. Last week, Galaxy Entertainment’s Kevin Clayton confirmed the company’s interest, emphasizing the need for large-scale attractions to draw both new and repeat tourists. “Bangkok deserves a truly iconic complex,” Clayton told the Bangkok Post.

Despite the optimism, recent findings from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) highlight persistent worries. About a third of respondents fear legal casinos could lead to increased crime, such as money laundering, and even threaten national security. Nearly 28% are concerned about how the government would address rising risks of problem gambling.

Additional concerns include a lack of clarity on how the casino industry would directly benefit the Thai economy, and fears that such resorts could attract criminal activity. Around 25% of respondents questioned whether the facilities would favor politicians over the public, and many wondered why a national referendum hasn’t been conducted.

Even as the government moves cautiously, four potential locations have already been identified for the planned entertainment complexes: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chonburi.