Less than a month after the New Year, the government led by Prime Minister Pae Thongthan Shinawatra of Thailand has already started to promote the "Comprehensive Entertainment Business Act B.E.", also known as the "Entertainment Complex Act". The bill was approved by the cabinet meeting on January 13, 2025.
Next, the Office of the Council of State will review this bill for about 45 to 50 days, and then submit it to the House of Representatives for deliberation. The government expects the bill to enter parliamentary discussions by the end of March 2025 and plans to complete the legislative process by the end of 2025, officially taking effect at the beginning of 2026.
However, before that, the "Entertainment Complex Act" still needs to undergo more scrutiny. A key part of the comprehensive entertainment venues is the establishment of legal "casinos" or gambling venues, which is both a "new" and "big" issue in Thailand.
The Challenges and Potential of Legalizing Gambling
Public opinion generally worries about the negative impacts that gambling may bring. Gambling not only fails to make people rich but also easily leads to drug abuse, indulgence in desires, and may become a hotbed for money laundering crimes. Therefore, Thailand has long prohibited the existence of legal gambling venues.
But the reality is that gambling has almost integrated into Thai society, and the underground gambling industry is thriving. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chandraruangthong, estimates that online gambling in Thailand is worth up to 3 trillion Thai Baht annually; while the main customers of the Poipet casino in neighboring Cambodia come from Thailand, generating about 1.5 billion US dollars (approximately 50 billion Thai Baht) in revenue for Cambodia each year.
Would it be a mistake for Thailand to have its own legal casinos?
Many countries have legalized casinos through the "entertainment complex" model, using them as important means to attract investment and tourists, while strictly controlling their social impact.
Below is an analysis of successful cases of "entertainment complexes" and casinos around the world, aiming to provide references for Thailand's future policy formulation.
Successful Cases of Global Entertainment Complexes
USA: The Legend of Las Vegas
The United States has the world's largest casino market. As early as 1930, New Jersey and Nevada became the first states to legalize gambling.
Las Vegas has developed from a dry desert into the world's top casino and entertainment center, known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World". In 2023, Las Vegas welcomed about 41 million visitors, and it is expected that the US gambling revenue will reach 47 billion US dollars in 2024.
Macau: The Giant of Gambling Revenue
Macau is the world's second-largest casino market, with an expected total gambling revenue (GGR) of over 28.4 billion US dollars in 2024, and a visitor count of 38 million, most of whom are Chinese tourists.
Since the legalization of casinos during the Portuguese rule in 1847, Macau has been the center of the Asian casino industry. After returning to China, the government opened up the gambling market in 2002, attracting a large number of multinational companies to invest, with gambling revenue accounting for 83% of Macau's total government revenue.
In recent years, Macau has been trying to diversify its sources of income, attracting investments in non-gambling sectors. For example, the Sands Group invested 4 billion US dollars to transform the Sands Cotai Central into The Londoner Macao, attracting tourists by replicating London landmarks.
Singapore: Restrictions and Development Coexist
The legalization of casinos in Singapore initially faced huge opposition, but was eventually launched in the form of "integrated resorts", including Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands.
The government has set strict restrictions for local residents, such as a 150 Singapore dollar (about 810 RMB) entry fee each time, and prohibits providing loans to locals. In 2024, the Singapore casino market is expected to reach 6.9 billion US dollars, with non-gambling revenue already accounting for 30%.
Australia: Steady Development of the Casino Economy
Casinos are of significant economic importance to Australia. Crown Resorts and The Star Entertainment Group are the main operators, covering Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other places. Although affected by the pandemic in recent years, the market size is expected to still reach 4.7 billion Australian dollars in 2025.
Philippines: Rapid Expansion of the Gambling Market
The annual revenue of the Philippine gambling market is about 2.5 to 3 billion US dollars, mainly concentrated in integrated resorts such as Entertainment City in Manila. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) cooperates with private operators to attract international investments, becoming an important gambling destination in Asia.
South Korea: Exclusive Casino Experience for Foreigners
South Korea only allows foreigners to gamble in casinos, with the only exception being the Kangwon Land Casino, which is accessible to local citizens. The South Korean casino market is valued at about 2 billion US dollars, mainly relying on foreign investment and tourists.
Other Country Cases: Japan, France, and Canada
Japan approved the legalization of casinos in 2019, planning to open the first casino in Osaka by 2030 to attract international tourists. French casinos operate under strict regulation, with an annual market value of 2 billion US dollars.
Canada combines gambling with tourism through entertainment complexes, such as the large resort in Toronto, with an expected market revenue of 4.6 billion US dollars in 2024.
Future Outlook: Can Thailand Forge a New Path?
The "entertainment complex" as a new model for economic growth has many successful cases, but it requires a well-established legal and regulatory system to support it.
If the Thai government can properly address social impacts and cultural conflicts, it may find a balance between economy and society, paving a new path for the national economy.
