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Thailand’s Mulled iGaming Foray Might Attract Crime Syndicates
The opposition feels that the Thai government is not yet ready to manage casinos and iGaming sites safely

Experts are wary about Thailand’s rapid foray into the world of gambling, arguing that it may provide criminal groups with an outlet to launder money. Such cases wouldn’t be without precedent either, considering the Philippines’ recent gripes with gambling-related crime.
Thailand Wants to Expand Its Gaming
Thailand is currently working hard to legalize integrated resorts. As the country hopes to beat Japan to it and launch its first resort before the completion of the Osaka IR, lawmakers also teased an iGaming bill.
Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Thai minister of digital economy and security, noted that such a bill could be ready within a month. Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have expressed fervent support for this legislative measure.
Supporters of online gambling cited opportunities for billions of dollars in revenue, as well as millions in tax proceeds. The measure would also provide players with a legal alternative to playing with shady offshore sites.
The iGaming bill and the advancing IR bill could potentially reshape the future of gaming in Thailand, which has largely been conservative when it comes to gambling. As of the time of this writing, the national lottery and state-run horse races are the only legal betting options.
Crime Syndicates Might Infiltrate Thai iGaming
Benedikt Hofmann, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, weighed in on the matter. He agreed that the legalization of online gaming would have certain benefits, such as bringing underground operations under regulation. Hofmann warned that, unfortunately, the framework could also be used for illicit purposes.
Hofmann mentioned the Philippines’ Philippine offshore gambling operator (POGO) program, which was abused for illicit activities, forcing its recent shutdown. POGOs had turned from a safer gambling alternative to bastions of scams, money laundering and horrifying crimes such as human trafficking.
A UNODC report confirms Hofmann’s fears, claiming that SEA casinos have effectively become a shadow banking network for mobsters in the region. Since Thailand’s neighbors are facing these problems, Amanda Gore, director of the Center for Global Advancement, warned that if Thailand legalizes iGaming, it should remain vigilant, lest its framework be abused in a similar fashion.
Opposition Believes the Government Is Not Ready
Thai lawmakers have claimed to be aware of these dangers and have promised that they wouldn’t legalize gambling without implementing robust safeguards. However, even some local politicians are reluctant about the direction Thailand is heading.
Rangsiman Rome, a member of the opposition, spoke on the matter with news outlet VOA, sharing certain concerns. Although he would generally be okay with gaming, he said that he feels that the Thai government is not yet ready to manage casinos and iGaming sites safely.
Rome emphasized that the current Thai laws would be insufficient to inhibit the influence of criminal syndicates and prevent money laundering. He added that, in fact, money laundering is already happening in the country.
Gore suggested that Thailand should study regulatory frameworks in well-established markets, such as the UK, which could give it some ideas as to how to prevent crime. Hofmann added that Thailand would do better to give up on online gambling and crypto payments for the time being and focus on its less risky IR plans. He warned that even then, some risks will remain.
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Although Fiona doesn't have a long-spanning background within the gambling industry, she is an incredibly skilled journalist who has built a strong interest in the constantly growing iGaming network. The team at Gambling News is glad to have her on our roster to help deliver the best stories as soon as they hit. Aside from writing, she loves to dabble in online casino games such as slots and roulette, both for her own enjoyment and also as research to better improve her understanding of the industry.
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