Thailand’s Casino Bill Nears Official Cabinet Review

Rapid progress is being made on Thailand’s casino regulation and Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, has announced that a final draft of the bill, known as the “Casino Bill”, could be ready to be reviewed by the Cabinet in as little as four weeks.

Thailand’s Cabinet announces plans for official review of casino bill in four weeks.

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Over the next few weeks, input from all 16 government agencies regarding the economic and social impact of the Casino Bill will be considered, and any necessary revisions will be made. The bill will then be sent to the Cabinet and the Office of the Council of State for consideration before it is put before the House of Representatives.

5% Casino Space in Entertainment Complexes

If the bill passes, it will allow up to 5% of space in large entertainment complexes to become brick-and-mortar casinos. These complexes would also contain shops, hotels, and other entertainment services. Amornvivat has estimated that such complexes would bring between $0.8 billion and $1.3 billion in investment to Thailand.

The 16 government agencies agree that the projects would bring significant financial advantages to the country. However, they are also adamant that there should be measures introduced to encourage responsible gambling and protect players from potential gambling harms.

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Changes to Existing Laws

The government agencies have also recognized that for entertainment complexes to legally run casinos, changes to many related existing laws are necessary, suggesting that there is still quite a long legislative road ahead. These legislative changes will require comprehensive reviews and amendments, potentially involving extensive debate and approval processes within the government.

However, there is growing curiosity and interest from major casino operators. In recent weeks, notable companies such as MGM China, Galaxy Entertainment, and Genting Singapore have all expressed their interest in exploring opportunities within this emerging market. Their involvement indicates a strong potential for future investment and development in the region's casino industry.

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