Up to 80% of Thai residents reportedly support the proposal to legalize casinos in the country. However, a survey indicates that one-third of respondents are concerned that gambling could lead to increased social issues or other negative consequences.
In January, Thailand's cabinet approved the Entertainment Complex Bill, paving the way for up to five casino resorts in the predominantly Buddhist nation.
Supporters argue that the initiative could attract billions in investment, boost tourism revenue, and accelerate the country’s post-COVID economic recovery.
In 2024, international tourists contributed approximately 172 billion baht (£36.5 billion/€43.7 billion/$47.1 billion) to Thailand’s economy, accounting for around 12% of GDP. The government believes that entertainment complexes could more than double this revenue while generating tens of thousands of jobs.
“Our economy once experienced rapid growth, but it is currently struggling due to a lack of new growth drivers,” said Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, as quoted by The Nation. He described the casino industry as a potential “game-changer” for Thailand’s economy.
Still a divisive issue
Thailand remains divided over the prospect of legal casinos, with anti-casino activists staging protests in recent weeks to oppose the plan.
Following a demonstration outside Government House in Bangkok on March 12, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a pause on casino legislation for further evaluation.
“There is no urgency to return [the bill] to the cabinet,” Paetongtarn told reporters. “All aspects must be carefully considered… since Thailand has never had casinos before.”
Despite opposition, a public consultation conducted by the Ministry of Finance from February 28 to March 14 suggests growing support for the establishment of entertainment complexes.
80% give thumbs-up to casinos
According to Bloomberg, around 80% of the 70,000 Thailand residents who participated in the public consultation support the Entertainment Complex Bill’s passage.
This growing approval could be the green light global gaming operators have been anticipating.
MGM Resorts International, Genting Singapore, and Las Vegas Sands Corp have all shown interest in securing a Thailand casino license. Melco Resorts & Entertainment has already set up an office in Bangkok, while Galaxy Entertainment Group recently confirmed its intention to join the bidding process.
“The country needs substantial investment in key attractions to draw both repeat and first-time visitors,” Galaxy’s Kevin Clayton told the Bangkok Post. “We see great potential in Bangkok, which deserves a truly iconic entertainment complex.”
Many still concerned
A new poll from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) highlights ongoing concerns about legalizing casinos in Thailand.
Around one-third of respondents feared that legal casinos could lead to increased crime, including money laundering, and even pose risks to national security. Additionally, 28% expressed worries about how the government would manage a potential rise in problem gambling.
Many respondents had more questions than firm opinions, according to The Bangkok Post. About 30% wanted clarity on whether and how casinos would boost the economy, while 25% questioned how the government would prevent casino resorts from becoming havens for criminals.
Some also raised concerns about whether the industry would primarily benefit politicians rather than the public and wondered why a nationwide referendum had not been conducted.
Despite the debate and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s commitment to a careful review, officials have already identified four potential locations for casino resorts: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chonburi.
