How Thailand’s New Casino Law Could Transform Its Economy
Could Thailand’s Casino Gamble Be the Jackpot Its Tourism Industry Needs?
Paradise 🎲✨
There are several countries that have anti-gambling laws on the books, and Thailand, the popular tourist destination, is one of them. However, it’s looking like 2025 might be their year of rolling the dice.
According to the latest Casino News, Thailand’s cabinet recently approved a draft law to legalize casino gambling, aiming to give the country’s tourism sector a much-needed boost. AP news reported that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the bill will be sent to the Office of the Council of State for review before heading to Parliament for debate and voting. Translation: it might actually be happening, folks.
Thailand approves bill to legalize gambling and casinos to boost economy.#Thailand pic.twitter.com/AeJiCxIwn4
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) January 15, 2025
Why Is Gambling Illegal in Thailand?
But why was gambling banned in Thailand in the first place? The Gambling Act of 1935 prohibits most forms of gambling, with the exception of state-run lotteries and horse race betting. The ban is largely rooted in cultural and religious norms. Thailand’s predominant religion, Theravada Buddhism, discourages gambling, viewing it as a moral slippery slope.
Still, underground gambling is so popular because, let’s be real, if people want to gamble, they’ll find a way. Legalization would just bring it out of the shadows and onto the glittering casino floors.
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law that would legalise gambling and casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, jobs and investment
Live casino and igaming will follow$EVO $EVVTY pic.twitter.com/UyKtLjQriF
— FinFluential • Simplifying the Market (@FinFluentialx) January 13, 2025
“Isn’t it time for Thailand to acknowledge that there are gambling places, both legal and illegal, in the country and neighboring countries? This project aims to generate revenue for the country’s tourism sector,” government spokesperson Jirayu Hoangsub said in an official statement.
From an economic standpoint, this move is a no-brainer. Thailand is already a hotspot for tourists, and adding online casino options, physical casinos, and new hotels could really boost its economy.
As someone who has basically only ever lived in tourist towns (Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, to name a few), I can confidently say two things draw people in: nature’s beauty and, of course, gambling.
Thailand already has one half of the equation covered, so why not add the other?
Will Thailand’s tourism landscape finally include luxury casinos and a thriving bet platform scene? If the bill passes, 2025 could mark a new era for the Land of Smiles and add “winning big” as another reason to visit. We’ll just have to wait and see!
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