Thailand’s Council of State has introduced a draft casino bill of 22 pages, with a public feedback period that ended in mid-August. The document and its discussion signify a huge step forward for the country in legalising gaming venues, the first of which will officially open doors in 2027.
Many worldwide-known operators have already shown interest in the gambling business in Prathet Thai and the ongoing process of its establishment. If approved, the proposal will bring lots of financial, reputational, social, and other benefits to the state and its nation.
Fundamental Details of the Reviewed Bill
According to the document, all casinos will become part of entertainment complexes. The latter are predicted to enrich the Thai treasury by $ 5 billion annually. Maybank Securities reported that the expected yearly input from casinos may reach around 1% of the country’s GDP.
Let us explore specific aspects of the draft law:
Locations of Gaming Facilities
The places where the amusement complexes might be hosted comprise famous touristic destinations:
- Phuket;
- Chiang Mai;
- Greater Bangkok;
- Chonburi (Pattaya).
The territories with gambling venues must also include at least 4 other amusement businesses. The listed areas have many parks, beaches, convention centres, etc. Thus, they are perfect for complying with regulations and attracting a broad audience.
The gaming facilities must have a paid-up budget of at least $ 283 million and be located around 100 km from airports. Such placement promises to enhance accessibility and, thus, bring foreigners to the entertainment hubs.
Based on the first offers for building amusement complexes, just about 5% of the real estate territory may host casinos. Nevertheless, the gambling business is expected to generate 80% of all the revenue from the total commercial operations within the resorts.
Regulations and Taxes
The state will assign a Bangkok-headquartered regulatory body, which will work under a policy committee’s diligent oversight. The Prime Minister will be the Chair.
The board will have the following tasks towards the Thai casino segment:
- regulating;
- promoting;
- controlling;
- supporting;
- supervising.
The commission will oversee the establishment and management of amusement complexes, ensuring operators have key policies formed and implemented. The panel will decide on taxes, permit issuance, entry levels, employment criteria, casino floor parameters, etc. The current version of the bill imposes a 17% fee on GGR.
Licensing Specifics
Gaming operators will be able to obtain a certification valid for 30 years, while the renewal procedure allows for prolonging the permit’s credibility for another decade. Such a lengthy period is aimed at targeting large-scale gambling brands, which can significantly expand the country’s tourism sphere.
Other related financial requirements (rough figures):
- initial licence fee — $ 140 million;
- an application commission — $ 3,000;
- an annual operation charge — $ 29 million;
- a casino entry payment (for nationals) — $ 150.
Social Benefits
Thanks to the new gaming legalisation, the state will be able to provide a lot of business opportunities and job positions for residents. The regulation will also result in extra earnings of about $ 12 billion yearly in the local tourism sector, which accounts for approximately 12% of the Thai economy.
The opening of casinos in the country promises to increase the average spend per traveller by a whopping 52%. The newly established sphere will also offer around 30,000 vacancies in each amusement complex.
Increased Worldwide Interest and Next Steps
Leading global operators pay much attention to the legalisation process and express willingness to enter the Thai casino market.
Among these big names are:
- Sands Corp;
- Wynn Resorts;
- Caesars Entertainment;
- MGM China Holdings Ltd;
- Hard Rock International Cafe;
- Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.
The companies are now actively interacting with the government and related institutions to explore local investment benefits and nuances of debuting on the market in 2027. Their interest in the casino industry compliments the state, pointing out its ability to shape a beneficial business environment for international corporations.
New gambling establishments will compete with other global touristic destinations, such as Japanese gaming venues and expected-to-debut markets like the UAE. This situation will attract much attention to Thailand, resulting in even larger investments from abroad.
The local parliament will review the bill next. The document may undergo several changes in specific details before being officially approved and implemented. The policy committee’s primary task will be overseeing the proposal’s proper implementation, including gaming regulations.
Casino Market experts can help you launch a successful gambling business in Thailand or other promising countries.
We offer turnkey platforms with integrated protection systems, payment services, slots and similar entertainment content, management modules, marketing tools, etc. Feel free to contact us to start your successful entrepreneurial journey with the support of a leading aggregator.
Have questions or want to order services?
Contact our consultants:
- e-mail: manager@casino-market.com
- Skype: support.casinosupermarket
- feedback form.
Check the information used to contact us carefully. It is necessary for your safety.
Fraudsters can use contacts that look like ours to scam customers. Therefore, we ask you to enter only the addresses that are indicated on our official website.
Be careful! Our team is not responsible for the activities of persons using similar contact details.
