Thailand Takes the First Steps toward Casino Resort Regulation

The highly anticipated move toward legalizing resort casinos in Thailand is taking form. The country has just unveiled a draft casino bill defining the regulatory framework for integrated entertainment venues with casinos. The draft bill, published on Friday, outlined how Thailand’s future casino regulatory body would look and what it would be responsible for. It is open to public feedback until 18 August.

The Bill Highlights Thailand’s Vision for the Sector

According to the proposed legislation, Thailand’s new gambling regulatory body would be based in Bangkok, with support from strategically placed branches nationwide. The regulator will report directly to a newly formed Policy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister, ensuring high-level oversight and governance, mirroring other successful jurisdictions.

The new body’s primary functions will be to regulate, supervise, control, and promote integrated entertainment venues with casinos. The regulator will monitor and inspect casino regulations, address public concerns, and mitigate gambling’s negative impacts. The draft bill also envisions a 5,000 baht fee for Thai nationals entering casino resorts.

The draft bill specifies ten types of businesses that can operate within Thailand’s integrated entertainment venues. These range from department stores and amusement parks to hotels, gaming areas, and yacht clubs and cover all the amenities expected by visitors to such establishments. Casinos must be located in specific locations and contain at least four types of businesses.

Thailand May Soon Rival Other Asian Jurisdictions

Licensees will have an initial 30-year license term, subject to review every five years. Operators wishing to enter the Thai market must pay a 100,000 baht ($2,800) application

fee alongside the 5 billion baht ($141.82 million) for their first license. Existing licensees will pay 1 billion baht (28.33 million) in annual fees.

These draft regulations have already attracted significant interest from international casino operators. Notably, MGM Resorts International has already shown interest in the Thai market. The company, which has established government relations in Thailand, is exploring potential opportunities for obtaining a license once the country legalizes casino gaming and opens up its market.

Although the future of regulated casinos in Thailand remains uncertain, the new draft bill may offer a glimpse into how its entertainment and tourism sectors will function. Legalizing gambling should significantly aid the country’s efforts against underground casinos, giving bettors safer and regulated alternatives while bolstering international tourism and bringing in new revenue streams.