In January 2025, Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft law to legalize casinos and gambling in large-scale entertainment complexes. The bill will be sent to parliament for further deliberation and, if passed, would allow casinos to operate within integrated resorts, similar to models in Singapore. The legalization of gambling clearly presents significant opportunities for the hospitality and lifestyle sectors. The Thai government anticipates that the legalization of casinos will lead to a 5% to 10% increase in foreign visitors and could generate up to THB 220 billion in additional revenue.
Through legalization, the government aims to address the widespread issue of illegal gambling while creating a safer, regulated environment for gaming activities. While optimism surrounding the law is growing, it has not yet been enacted, and many details and requirements remain unclear.
Under the proposed legislation, casinos will be required to obtain a 30-year license, with operators evaluated every five years and renewal periods lasting up to 10 years. Only businesses with substantial capital will be eligible, positioning Thailand as a competitive player in Southeast Asia’s tourism and hospitality market. License applicants must be registered in Thailand and demonstrate a minimum paid-up capital of $286 million, along with an initial fee of $141.9 million per license and annual fees of $28.8 million. A tax rate of 17% is under consideration, but has not yet been finalized.
The government plans to initially grant five casino licenses: two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Resorts will offer a mix of non-gaming attractions, such as hotels, stadiums, and theme parks, with gaming areas limited to 5% of the total space.
According to some reports, the law could come into effect later this year (2025).
For businesses considering applying for a gaming license, it is crucial to closely monitor legal developments to respond promptly. We will keep you updated on relevant developments in the “News” section of our blog.
