Major developments in Thailand at the start of the new year saw the country confirm a bill legalising casino games has been sent to Parliament for approval, following a sign-off from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
A focus on balance is at the heart of the bill, as it looks to not only protect players from gambling risks but also enable a thriving economy by boosting the country’s tax revenue.
It’s a move that will also provide a major boost to the country’s already flourishing tourism sector, as the entertainment venues being put forward by the plans elevate the allure of Thailand from the perspective of tourists in a significant way.
One of the factors to be decided is the location of the casinos. However, it has been heavily reported that Bangkok will be home to at least one of the venues.
It has been touted as one of seven plans spearheaded by Shinawatra for integrated resorts across the country.
Furthermore, the Bangkok Post also revealed that there will likely be just 10% of the venues of integrated resorts that can be dedicated to gambling.
This is a shift from previous reports that the new bill would allow just 5% of integrated resort floorspace to be allocated to gaming, enabling the rest of the real estate to be dedicated to entertainment and subsequently seen as versatile venues that can benefit tourism rather than just gambling outlets.
Further cementing the plans and accelerating the progress, there was also recent support from Prime Minister Shinawatra for plans on seven projects, according to local media reports in the region.
The latest steps signify that the process could be completed by the end of the year and progress is cemented for the casino sector within Thailand.
iGaming Expert Insight: It should come as little surprise that Shinawatra has been buoyant in her support for integrated resorts given her father and former PM, Thaksin Shinawatra offered a very similar sentiment during his premiership.
The economic benefits are also hard to deny, especially as the country has embraced a legislative footrace alongside Abu Dhabi and Japan in a bid to become the first of those regions to pass respective bills and embrace the gambling sector.
