On Monday, the Thai Cabinet approved a controversial bill that legalizes gambling within designated "entertainment centers" to boost tourism and create job opportunities.
The proposed law would allow casinos to be set up within tourist complexes, which also include theme parks, water parks, hotels, and shopping centers.
Currently, gambling in Thailand is only legal in some state-run horse races and official lotteries, but illegal gambling is widespread.
On Monday, the Thai Cabinet approved a controversial bill that legalizes gambling within designated "entertainment centers" to boost tourism and create job opportunities.
The proposed law would allow casinos to be set up within tourist complexes, which also include theme parks, water parks, hotels, and shopping centers.
Currently, gambling in Thailand is only legal in some state-run horse races and official lotteries, but illegal gambling is widespread.
Legal Forms of Gambling in Laos
Laos has a few legal casinos, typically located in special economic zones and generally aimed at foreign tourists rather than local residents, with locals prohibited from entering. Currently, there are about 5 licensed casinos and slot clubs in Laos. Casinos pay a one-time tax of between 2 million and 10 million USD per year, while slot clubs are taxed at 24% of actual revenue.
These gambling activities are specially approved and managed by the government. Any individual or legal entity wishing to establish an electronic gaming machine service center (gambling service center) must apply to the Office of the Prime Minister of Laos for permission, which is subject to strict supervision by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Public Security.
Online Gambling is Explicitly Prohibited in Laos
On June 7, 2023, the Ministry of Public Security of Laos issued Notice No. 27, explicitly banning illegal online gambling operations. It prohibits individuals, legal entities, employees, civil servants, military personnel, police officers, Laotian citizens, foreign citizens, and stateless persons residing in Laos from participating in online games or online gambling through any channel or form.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned in a report last year that casinos in Southeast Asia are "a fundamental part of the banking structure used by organized crime for money laundering."
The attitudes towards the legality and regulatory policies of the gambling industry in Southeast Asian countries vary, ranging from strict prohibition to cautious "semi-opening" to gradual liberalization to strict regulation. What will the future hold?
It is also a reminder that China has jurisdiction over the operation of online casinos abroad that attract Chinese citizens to participate. Even if the gambling activities occur outside the country, Chinese law still applies if it involves Chinese citizens.
