Thailand’s leading political party, Pheu Thai, is diligently pursuing the authorization of casino resorts in an effort to stimulate tourism. Recent research by a special House committee reveals that the majority of patrons at these prospective establishments would likely be Thai citizens. Chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the committee reported to the cabinet that around 90% of casino guests would be domestic residents.
This conclusion was drawn using data analytics from Macau, where about 90% of casino traffic comes from local residents and mainland visitors. By analogy, the Thai House committee forecasted a similar trend for Thailand’s potential casino resorts.
The committee’s study assumed that approximately 10% of Thai citizens aged 18 to 75—who do not hold national welfare cards—would visit a casino, translating to about 3.7 million potential local patrons. Considering Thailand attracts around 11 million foreign tourists annually, with an estimated 10% of these visitors likely to gamble, the report projected a combined customer base of roughly 4.8 million people.
The committee believes its estimates are conservative. Global gaming industry research suggests that around a quarter of adults gamble worldwide, and gambling has traditionally been more ingrained in Asian cultures than in other regions.
Currently, gambling in Thailand is limited to horse racing wagers and the state-run lottery, though illegal gambling activities such as underground casinos and sports betting are widespread. Newly appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who took office after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin resigned earlier this month, is continuing Srettha’s initiatives. Regulated casinos, according to this plan, could curb illegal gambling operations, provide an economic and tax boost, and attract more tourists.
Prime Minister Srettha resigned on August 14 amid political pressure stemming from hiring Pichit Chuenban, who once served jail time for attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials in 2008.
Paetongtarn’s Entertainment Complex Policy Committee is responsible for formulating regulations for casinos in Thailand, pending Senate authorization for up to five initial resorts. The committee is currently seeking public input but has recommended that casino operators pay an annual renewable licensing fee of five billion baht (US$150 million), valid for at least 30 years. Casino floors would occupy no more than 5% of each resort’s total area. Thai residents would have to pay entry fees to gamble, potentially capped at 5,000 baht (about $150).
Wynn Resorts, based in Las Vegas, has shown interest in entering the Thai market. Wynn continues to focus on foreign investments, including the construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates and maintaining substantial investments in Macau.
