As Thailand weighs the legalization of casino resorts, Ed Bowers, MGM’s President of Global Development, urges lawmakers to adopt a low tax rate and permit local residents to gamble.
MGM Resorts International is open to making a major investment in Thailand’s potential casino market — but with certain conditions.
Ed Bowers, MGM’s President of Global Development, has urged Thai lawmakers to maintain a low tax rate, ideally around 17%, similar to Singapore’s model. He stressed that a competitive rate is key to attracting investment in Asia’s increasingly crowded gaming sector. By comparison, Macau taxes casino revenue at 40%, while Japan has set its rate at 30%.
Bowers also urged Thai officials to allow local residents to gamble without heavy restrictions. In response to concerns over problem gambling, the government is weighing a proposed THB 5,000 ($140) entry fee for Thai citizens.
At one point, lawmakers even considered a “millionaire’s clause” requiring locals to show at least THB 50 million ($1.5 million) in assets to gain entry. That idea was eventually dropped after it became clear that nearly 70% of the adult population would be excluded.
Bowers cited the example of Inspire in South Korea, a casino that has struggled financially due to its reliance on foreign visitors. The $1.6 billion resort reported a $104 million loss in its first year, leading Mohegan Gaming into default. In February, creditor Bain Capital took over and has since listed the property for sale.
Bangkok is prime real estate
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Ed Bowers addressed common concerns that legalizing casino resorts in Thailand could lead to gambling addiction and financial crimes like money laundering. “Integrated resorts don’t just boost tourism and the economy,” he said. “They also help tackle existing issues tied to unregulated gambling.”
MGM Resorts has its sights set on Bangkok for a potential integrated resort under its brand. With a population of 11.5 million and strong infrastructure, the Thai capital is well-positioned to support a large-scale casino project. In 2023, Suvarnabhumi International Airport handled nearly 61 million passengers—more than half of whom were headed to Bangkok.
Because of these factors, gaming expert Bo Bernhard believes two resorts in Bangkok could generate enough revenue to “surpass Singapore and become one of the top gaming destinations in Asia.”
MGM already has a strong presence in Asia as one of the three U.S. operators licensed in Macau. The company is also leading the development of Japan’s first integrated casino resort—an $8 billion project in Osaka that will include 2,500 hotel rooms, 2,000 slot machines, 200 gaming tables, a 3,500-seat theater, dozens of restaurants, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space. Scheduled to open in 2030, MGM Osaka offers a preview of what MGM could bring to a future Thai project.
However, MGM isn’t the only contender. Several major gaming firms are eyeing a Thai casino license. Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment have already opened offices in Bangkok, while Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock International have also expressed interest.
While Bangkok is seen as the crown jewel, three other locations—Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket—are also being considered for one of five planned entertainment complexes.
