The Thai government is advancing an “entertainment complex” bill, which would allow casinos to operate within large-scale venues. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has indicated that the bill is expected to pass through both chambers of parliament in 2025.
The Cabinet is anticipated to approve the bill later this year, after which it will be reviewed by the House of Representatives and the Senate next year. Each chamber typically takes several months to approve a bill through its three readings.
Prommin told Bloomberg News, “The law should be passed in six months at the earliest, so it should be next year to start.” He added that several administrative steps would follow after the bill clears parliament before casinos can begin operations.
If fully implemented, casinos in Thailand could make the country a major player in the global gaming market. Citigroup analysts predict that the country’s gross gaming revenue could reach $9.1 billion, positioning it as the third-largest gaming market in the world, behind Macau and Las Vegas, but ahead of neighboring Singapore.
Global operators like Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. are eyeing opportunities in Thailand, seeing it as a potential hedge against uncertain prospects in Macau.
According to Prommin, the Thai government has attracted interest from major investors with global experience, though he did not disclose any names. “So many people have tried to talk with us,” he said.
The proposed legislation mandates that Thai-registered companies operate entertainment complexes with a paid-up capital of at least THB10 billion($286 million). A 30-year license will cost THB5 billion ($148 million) in the first year, with subsequent renewals costing THB1 billion ($30 million) annually, which can be extended for up to 10 years with each renewal.
A committee led by the prime minister will later finalize regulations, including casino tax rates, the number of licenses issued, and the casinos’ locations. Under the bill, each complex will need to house at least four other types of businesses, such as department stores, hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, or nightlife venues, alongside the casino.
As previously reported, the government may initially grant five casino licenses in popular tourist destinations, with two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Earlier this year, the lower house of parliament approved a study recommending the establishment of casinos in large entertainment venues to attract high-spending visitors.
