With the Thailand government set to review the casino bill on Thursday, speculation has been rife over the fate of the sector.
It comes after the governance in Thailand voted down a censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which largely cited the impact of the legalisation of gambling venues in Thailand.
It means the draft progress bill for land-based casinos will be considered on Thursday, with it anticipated to outlast opposition.
In a key boost to the bill, the legislation of Thai casinos was backed by public feedback this week following the consultation, with 80% of those asked supporting the proposals.
There was, however, backing for the eradication of the significant limitations put on Thai residents when it comes to the casinos.
There were previous reports that Thai officials would implement a rule that meant that Thai citizens would need at least $1.5m in assets to access casinos in the country.
Yet, providing a summary of responses, it appears that there was appetite from Thai citizens for this element of the bill to be diluted.
The Ministry’s summary of responses stated: “There should be a proper reason why it must be THB 50 million because .. investment in this business will not be able to occur.
“The minimum deposit requirement may be an excessive restriction on personal rights. Other options should be considered, such as setting maximum gambling limits and providing information and knowledge about responsible gambling.”
Surprisingly there was also some opposition from Thai respondents around the 10% limitations of the bill, with some suggesting that it is not efficient in terms of the floor space.
This section of the bill has been implemented in a bid to ensure that the venues are entertainment complexes and have a significant uplift on the country’s already thriving tourism economy.
However, there have been warnings and speculation from the opposition party in Thailand that Beijing could explore the safeguarding of its own gambling economy through the prohibiting of visitors to Thailand.
Shinawatra previously revealed that Xi Jinping had raised the bill with her during a meeting between the two leaders, urging her to be aware of the social issues that could plague the country as a result of casino regulation.
A rise in crime was central to his warnings as Jinping made his feelings known on Thailand’s progress when it comes to casino regulation.
Whilst gambling is prohibited on mainland China, Macau is seen as the capital for gambling resorts in Asia.
Nonetheless, Shinawatra emphasised that the resorts are for more than just gambling as well as that a real focus is being placed on ensuring player safety and social responsibility as integral to the bill’s progress.
She added that the bill makes sure that Thailand’s integrated resorts venues aren’t engulfed by gambling and also host restaurants and entertainment.
As well as this, Shinawatra underpinned the need for the regulatory framework, as she told reporters: “We have to admit that some illegal gambling dens are still operating in the country. The money changing hands in those gambling dens does not benefit the country.
“If they are legalised, revenue can be collected from them and used for national development projects.”
