iGaming, which includes online casinos, bingo, poker and sports betting, is currently considered illegal in Thailand. The country enforces strict laws that prohibit most forms of gambling, with the only exceptions being horse racing and the national lottery.
In 2020, Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society launched a campaign against online casinos. They worked with other national agencies to block websites that offer such services. Despite these countermeasures, online gambling remains popular in Thailand, with annual turnover estimated at more than 1 billion baht (about $32 million).
Interestingly, discussions about legalizing gambling are growing in Thailand. The black market for online gambling is estimated to be worth as much as $12 billion. The staggering numbers have forced the government to reconsider existing laws and possibly legalize businesses already operating in the country. However, currently iGaming is still illegal in Thailand.
Thailand has a population of 70 million, including 54 million internet users and 52 million smartphone users, making the country an attractive target for online gaming operations. However, the Gambling Act of 1935 strictly prohibits most forms of betting except for national lotteries and horse racing. The law even includes some unusual restrictions, such as prohibiting private ownership of more than 120 playing cards.
Despite the strict laws, underground gambling thrives in Thailand. In January 2023, the Thai House of Representatives passed a bill to build a resort including five-star hotels, casinos, amusement parks, stadiums and a zoo. The facilities are designed to attract foreign players and local citizens over the age of 21, who must prove that they have at least $15,000 in deposits in their bank accounts for no less than six months. However, the vote will not immediately legalize gambling; detailed economic studies are still necessary. However, given that about 70% of adults regularly participate in gambling activities and generate about $5.5 billion in revenue each year, the government has a strong incentive to consider legalization and benefit from it.
Traditional forms of gambling
Thailand’s gambling culture is not limited to traditional forms of betting, but also includes activities such as fish fighting, bullfighting, and cockfighting. Despite strict anti-gambling laws, these traditional forms of gambling continue to thrive, attracting large numbers of participants and spectators. Notably, betta fish (also known as "Bettas") are unique to Thailand, with male bettas fighting in specially licensed events. Bullfights and cockfights also attract large crowds, with some stadiums seating up to 1,000 spectators. These events are deeply rooted in local traditions and are important community events.
The rise of online and mobile gaming
Thailand is in line with global gaming trends and has a high demand for online games of various game types, especially battle royale and match-match games. The surge in online gaming can be attributed to higher internet penetration, widespread smartphone ownership and the reach of 5G technology. These technological advancements have improved streaming quality, allowing Thai consumers to enjoy live online gaming on popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Live and Facebook Gaming.
Thailand is second only to Indonesia in the gaming market in Southeast Asia. Initiatives like the DEPA Games Accelerator Program aim to boost the local gaming industry by supporting game publishers and developers. In 2020, two cloud gaming services were launched: Gameloft’s Blacknut and Antstream Arcade. The growing popularity of local games such as Kingdoms Reborn, Home Sweet Home, Project Nimbus, Fallen Knight and Timelie demonstrates Thailand’s growing influence in the gaming industry.
The popularity of smartphones and faster internet speeds have led to the adaptation of console and PC games to mobile platforms. Popular games like Garena RoV, Garena Free Fire, Roblox and PUBG Mobile have found a huge audience in Thailand. Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games such as League of Legends have further popularized the popularity of the battle royale genre among Thai players. Despite legal and cultural challenges, online gaming has become the main form of entertainment for many Thais. Most people list online gaming as one of their top five hobbies. Thai video game players generate more than US$1.24 billion in revenue annually, with as much as US$700 million coming from gaming. Popular games include RoV: Arena of Valor and various online casino games, the latter of which is growing in popularity. Locally produced games such as Earth Atlantis, Timelie and Home Sweet Home demonstrate the potential of Thailand's gaming industry. Government consideration of legalizing gambling could open up new economic avenues, provide additional tax revenue and boost tourism.
The rise of e-sports
Esports has become an important sector in Thailand, experiencing explosive growth and attracting significant investment. Esports is officially recognized as a professional sport and is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Thai Esports Federation (TESF). These organizations regularly organize competitions, seminars and workshops to promote the industry. "Made in Thailand" (MiTH), founded in 2007, is one of the country's oldest esports organizations and owns "Dota 2", "CSGO", "Point Blank", "Heroes of Newerth" and "StarCraft II" The team waiting for the game.
Thailand ranks 16th in the global esports rankings, with 1,898 players winning a total of US$22.2 million in prize money across 1,254 games. "Honor of Kings" was the game with the highest prize money, generating $5.3 million in prize money. Anucha, Thailand's highest-earning player, has earned nearly $1 million from Dota 2 tournaments. In 2023, Thailand's e-sports revenue will reach US$6.7 million, and the compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2027 is expected to be 11.9%. The market size is expected to reach US$10.6 million by 2027. Sponsorships and advertising constitute the largest market share, estimated at USD 2 million in 2023.
The number of eSports users in Thailand is expected to grow to 8.25 million by 2027, and the average revenue per user (ARPU) will increase to US$1.04. E-sports players in Thailand are usually between the ages of 18 and 25 and have more disposable income for e-sports consumption. A large part of these players bet on e-sports, preferring interactive events and various e-sports projects, including "Call of Duty", "Dota 2", "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive", "Valorant", and "Warcraft III" ”, “League of Legends”, “PUBG” and “Rocket League”.
The appeal of fantasy leagues and online sports
Fantasy league football and online sports such as hockey, cricket and golf also attract bettors. Uplatform provides a comprehensive sports betting platform in the region, covering more than 200 sports including major Asian championships and leagues. Basketball, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Muay Thai are some of the most popular sports to bet on. But surprisingly, badminton is one of the most popular sports among Thai online bettors, with offshore sites accepting Thai customers and processing transactions in local currency.
Thailand’s gaming industry is diverse and rapidly developing. From traditional animal gambling to a thriving esports industry, the country offers a wide range of gaming and betting opportunities. Government involvement in promoting and regulating these activities, coupled with technological advancements and increased internet penetration, has made Thailand a key player in the global gaming market. As the industry continues to grow, further investment and regulatory developments are expected to shape the future of gaming in Thailand.
