The Management Committee expressed doubts about the effects of legal gambling, suggesting that even with legalization, gambling issues might not decrease but could lead to new problems.
Chairman Kornwee Prissananantakul announced the results of the committee meeting on gambling issues, pointing out the current proliferation of online gambling and the need for the government to take more effective regulatory measures.
The meeting discussed amendments to the ministerial regulations on online gambling management. Since illegal gambling sites can quickly come back online after being shut down, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society was advised to address the recurring appearance of these sites either by revising ministerial regulations or issuing emergency decrees (royal decrees).
Furthermore, regarding the application for online gambling licenses, the committee emphasized the necessity of stringent regulatory measures to ensure that pirated and illegal sites do not continue to proliferate.
Regarding the draft law on the "Comprehensive Entertainment Venues or Complexes Management," government officials expressed concerns. They believe that even establishing entertainment centers to address gambling issues cannot guarantee a reduction in national gambling problems.
Currently, illegal gambling sites are emerging everywhere, and the government's stance is that related operations need to be registered and licensed, but the Ministry of Interior has not yet clarified through which channels registration should be done.
Experts believe that if existing problems are not effectively resolved, new issues will only continue to increase.
In the discussion of the definition of comprehensive entertainment institutions in the "Entertainment Complex Law," the committee noted that the focus seems to be more on establishing casinos rather than creating tourist attractions as intended by the law.
Mr. Kornwee mentioned that the Executive Committee also discussed this issue. He noted that the Ministry of Finance's interpretation is based on drafting the bill from the content of a House of Representatives research report, but the committee hopes that in addition to stimulating the economy and attracting tourists, attention should also be paid to the potential social impacts of these policies.
Regarding the contribution of legalized online gambling and comprehensive entertainment venues to national revenue, it's not just about licensing fees; businesses also need to pay related taxes.
However, the official pointed out that they do not recommend increasing national revenue through additional charges (such as tolls) but advocate for a more systematic economic benefit approach.
While the promotion of legalized online gambling and comprehensive entertainment laws may bring certain economic benefits, their potential social issues and risks cannot be ignored.
The Management Committee emphasized that while pushing for legislation, stricter regulatory measures must be formulated to address both existing and potential problems.
