Recently, Thai media reported that with the advent of the digital era, technology has become widespread, and online gambling has rapidly developed but remains outside the legal framework.
According to data from the international research institute Statista, the market value of online gambling in Thailand is expected to be around 19 billion Thai Baht in 2024; meanwhile, data provided by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin indicates that each year, 2-4 million Thais spend between 300 and 500 billion Thai Baht on this sector, reflecting its booming development and significant impact on the national economy and society.
Surveys show that most online gambling websites operate in neighboring countries, such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where laws are favorable to online gaming and the sites can offer comprehensive services, including sports betting and online lotteries.
The financial systems of this business are very complex, and marketing strategies heavily rely on social media and online influencers, raising concerns among child and family protection agencies.
Moreover, the popularity of online gambling has had various impacts, such as public health issues, family problems, cybercrime, money laundering, and loss of government revenue.
The Thai government department led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Pase, is considering legalizing online gambling under strict control, with three main objectives: increasing government revenue through taxes on online gambling businesses, reducing cybercrimes primarily involving telecommunication fraud and money laundering, and building confidence in the tourism industry through a transparent system. Currently, models from Macau, the United States, and Singapore are being studied.
Additionally, the Thai government is considering implementing a series of control measures, such as strict identity verification systems, setting minimum age limits, and verifying sources of funds.
However, although legalizing online gambling could bring it under control and turn the burden into an economic opportunity, there is still significant opposition in society, particularly concerning gambling addiction and youth issues. The government also emphasizes that without clear regulatory standards, the initiative will not proceed, and practical results are expected by 2025.
