Last updated: February 19, 2025
Thailand’s new casino legislation proposes a $1.5 million deposit requirement for local players, effectively limiting access to high rollers. The government also plans to regulate casino design, ensuring separation from other resort areas. With public concerns rising, the draft regulation is under review before finalization in March.
Thailand is moving closer to welcoming its first-ever casino resorts, a move that could transform its tourism and entertainment landscape. However, the country is also taking stringent measures to ensure that local participation in gambling remains highly restricted. With the legislative framework still under discussion, a new amendment could effectively block the majority of Thai nationals from accessing these casinos.
While international casino operators—such as Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Melco Resorts, Genting Singapore, MGM Resorts, and Galaxy Entertainment Group—have expressed interest in Thailand’s market, the proposed local player restrictions could limit their target audience. According to the amendment, Thai citizens would need to deposit a minimum of $1.5 million to be granted entry into these casinos.
For high rollers, this financial barrier may not pose a challenge. However, for the average player, this restriction would effectively eliminate access, aligning with the government’s cautious approach toward gambling expansion.
In addition to restricting local participation, the government is also focused on how these casino resorts will be structured. New regulations propose that casinos should be physically separated from other entertainment facilities, ensuring that they are not easily accessible from general resort areas. Furthermore, the revised guidelines allow the casino floor space to cover up to 10% of the total resort area, doubling the previous cap of 5%.
These regulatory efforts come amid growing public concerns about the potential rise in gambling-related issues. To address these fears, Thailand’s government has introduced the amendment as part of a draft regulation, which will undergo a second round of public hearings before any final decisions are made. The review process is expected to continue until early March, after which further legislative refinements could be implemented.
While Thailand is set to join the ranks of other Asian gaming hubs, the government’s cautious approach highlights its intent to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling measures. As the situation unfolds, the future of online casinos and land-based gaming in Thailand remains a hot topic of debate.
Stay tuned for more updates on Thailand’s evolving casino legislation and market developments.
