Thai Lawmakers Seek to Get Gambling-Like Mechanics Under Control

As Thailand continues to move toward regulated casinos at a rapid pace, lawmakers have advanced a bill that would get gambling-like mechanics in other games under control. This may have a profound effect on sectors, such as video gaming, which are known for mechanics such as loot boxes.

The New Act Will Tackle Hidden Gambling

Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has advanced the Promotion of the Game Industry Act, which is set to create a local gaming framework. Through this law, lawmakers are seeking to address and regulate games incorporating elements similar to gambling.

Per the new framework, Thailand would create clear rules for games with gambling-like features, while improving transparency and consumer protections. According to its supporters, the law seeks to encourage innovation via structure rather than restriction.

As a result, games offering prize draws, loot boxes, and point redemption systems will have to follow certain rules due to the fact that they mirror gaming mechanics and, as a result, could lead to harm, especially among younger players. Officials described random reward systems as “hidden gambling” and emphasized the importance of regulating them.

In order to get such games under control and oversee the overall gaming sector, Thailand will establish the Registration, Regulatory and Inspection, and Game Industry Promotion committees.

The Government Pursues Sustainability

The Depa’s framework has secured approval from the revolving fund committee of the Comptroller General’s Department and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. The law is now set to be reviewed by the Cabinet, after which it will move to Parliament.

In any case, Depa’s CEO & president, Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, said that Thailand is committed to regulating the market fairly and sustainably. The Depa hopes to avoid censorship and instead prioritize long-term success by closing unwanted loopholes while allowing developers to remain creative.

Some believe that this framework could set up local developers for success. At the same time, it will create a somewhat more restrictive but secure market for international businesses.

Officials hope that this would create a balanced market, providing Thailand with much-needed advantages as it prepares to usher in a new era for gaming. If passed, the laws would cement it as the first ASEAN country with a dedicated gaming law.

In the meantime, Thailand continues to discuss he future of regulated casino gaming.