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Thailand is edging closer to joining the ranks of Asian nations that have legalized gambling and casinos. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasized that introducing a regulated gaming industry could boost tourism, attract investments, and create new jobs. To this end, the government’s cabinet has drafted a bill that will soon be reviewed by parliament.
“Legalization will protect the public while generating significant state revenue,” the prime minister stated earlier this week. Although gambling is officially banned in Thailand, reports indicate that underground gambling is widespread. Previous attempts to legalize the industry have failed, but Shinawatra is optimistic this effort will yield a different result.
Projections suggest that legalizing gambling could lead to a 5-10% increase in tourism, generating $3.5 billion to $6.3 billion in revenue and creating up to 15,000 jobs. With the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand hopes to position itself as a competitive player alongside established gaming destinations like Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea, and Singapore’s online casinos.
A Thriving Market in Asia
The popularity of gambling continues to surge across Asia. Macau, the sole region in China where casinos are legal, recently exceeded the government’s 2024 revenue projections. Meanwhile, Japan has also embraced casino legalization, with a massive gaming resort currently under construction in Osaka. Scheduled to open in 2029, the project will feature luxury hotels, a shopping mall, a conference center, a museum, and more.
As Thailand inches closer to legalization, it could further solidify the region’s standing as a global hub for gaming and entertainment.
Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/29734-thailand-takes-another-step-toward-casino-legalization
“Legalization will protect the public while generating significant state revenue,” the prime minister stated earlier this week. Although gambling is officially banned in Thailand, reports indicate that underground gambling is widespread. Previous attempts to legalize the industry have failed, but Shinawatra is optimistic this effort will yield a different result.
Projections suggest that legalizing gambling could lead to a 5-10% increase in tourism, generating $3.5 billion to $6.3 billion in revenue and creating up to 15,000 jobs. With the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand hopes to position itself as a competitive player alongside established gaming destinations like Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea, and Singapore’s online casinos.
A Thriving Market in Asia
The popularity of gambling continues to surge across Asia. Macau, the sole region in China where casinos are legal, recently exceeded the government’s 2024 revenue projections. Meanwhile, Japan has also embraced casino legalization, with a massive gaming resort currently under construction in Osaka. Scheduled to open in 2029, the project will feature luxury hotels, a shopping mall, a conference center, a museum, and more.
As Thailand inches closer to legalization, it could further solidify the region’s standing as a global hub for gaming and entertainment.
Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/29734-thailand-takes-another-step-toward-casino-legalization
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