Thailand's cabinet approves draft law to legalise casinos and gambling

13/1/2025 13:12

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, Thailand's cabinet has approved a draft law that would legalise gambling and casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, jobs and investment.



Under the government's plan, the law, which will be sent to parliament for deliberation, would see gambling take place in large-scale entertainment complexes.



Casinos and most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand but soccer betting and underground gaming activities and lotteries are rife, with vast sums of money changing hands.



Only some gambling is permitted, such as state-controlled horse races and on an official lottery.



Neighbours, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar have benefited from large casino complexes and Thailand's government has argued the absence of legal casinos means it is turning its back on revenue and not reaching its tourism potential.



Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy and Thailand is forecasting record visitor numbers in the next few years.