Thailand has taken a significant step toward legalizing gambling with the recent approval of a draft law by the government. The proposed legislation, known as the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, would pave the way for the establishment of casinos within integrated resorts across the country. If implemented, this would mark the first time in nearly 90 years that casinos would be legally permitted in Thailand.
Gambling in Thailand has had a tumultuous past. While it was once a popular activity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Gambling Act of 1935 made most forms of betting illegal, with only state-run lotteries and horserace betting allowed. Despite these restrictions, illegal gambling activities have persisted, often linked to organized crime networks.
In recent years, pressure has mounted for Thailand to consider regulated gambling as a means to combat illicit operations and capitalize on potential revenue streams. Advocates argue that legal casinos could significantly contribute to the economy and reduce black-market gambling activities that have long flourished under the current prohibition.
