Thailand Chooses Four Cities for Casino Resorts
Thailand has been considering changing the laws to allow casinos for some time now. It appears they may finally do it.
On March 13, 2025, the nation’s Entertainment Complex Committee announced that Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket would be the first four places to get casino-integrated resorts. As lawmakers work around the clock on the Entertainment Complex Act, global gaming firms and locals are on board. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, why it matters, and where the hurdle might lie.
A Big Deal: The Chosen Four
Bangkok’s a no-brainer. Thailand's capital city draws almost 23 million visitors annually, per Statista. Tall buildings, temples, and the buzz of an Asian megacity make this place the perfect spot for a shiny casino complex – maybe two if the rumors are true. Then, far to the east, Chonburi is just 80 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand. Imagine Pattaya’s beaches and Buddha Mountain. It’s already a popular tourist area, but a casino could make it even better.
Chiang Mai is the wildcard up north. This city is known as the “Rose of the North” and is home to ancient temples, jungles, and over 10 million yearly visitors. A casino here offers a blend of culture with a modern twist, though some locals might not like it. Phuket wraps up the list. The largest island in Thailand, famous for its Andaman Sea beaches and nightlife, was featured in The White Lotus Season 3. Having 9 million guests annually, it is ready for a resort combining gaming with its party scene. These picks are not final, but they are the leading candidates as lawmakers work out the details.
Why Thailand is Betting Big
The focus is not only on slot machines but also the economics. According to market analysts, tourism in Thailand took a brutal hit during the pandemic, dropping from 40 million visitors in 2019 to 28 million in 2023. The Entertainment Complex Act intends to reclaim that and more. According to the research conducted by the government in 2023, the anticipated revenue profit of the first year is 406.6 billion baht (approx. USD 12 billion). As per the information given to Channel News Asia by Nikom Boonwiset, a key committee figure, the officials target 50 million tourists annually. Plus, you have thousands of jobs for everything from dealers to hotel staff.
The casino-centered plan is reportedly inspired by the integrated resorts in Singapore, which provide a casino-cum-hotel-and-entertainment platform. At present, Thais are crossing the border to gamble within Cambodia or Laos, leaking money that the government wishes to keep. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra supports the casino development plan, saying it will help “recover lost time for economic benefit.” Big players like MGM Resorts and Las Vegas Sands are on standby to place bids if the regulations are proper.
The Pushback: Not Everyone’s Sold
Here’s where it gets messy. A poll conducted in January 2025 by Bangkok Post found that 59% of Thais are not in favor of casino complexes. Only 29% are on board. Online gambling is even less popular, with 58% opposing it. There have been protests at Si Sa Ket due to fears of addiction and crime. The Stop Gambling Foundation has been vocal and deemed the plan a “short-term fix” that could harm future generations. Buddhist leaders aren’t too happy either - it’s against Buddhism to gamble, and Thailand is a Buddhist nation.
UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime drove another nail in the coffin as Southeast Asia’s casinos have long been money laundering casinos. Politicians are attempting to calm the fear. For example, local entrants can be prevented from entering the casinos by imposing a 5,000 baht (or about $148) entry fee. Plus, there is a millionaires-only rule for local gamblers. However, foreigners get a free pass. Nonetheless, Chulalongkorn University’s Natchapol Jittirat reports that Thailand could soon become “a hiding place for criminals” if regulations go slack.
The Future: Guidelines, Regulations, and Dangers
The bill is still in the works, having received cabinet approval in January 2023, and is currently in parliament. It is expected to be finished by mid-2025, as reported by Reuters. The goal is to launch the first resort by 2029, surpassing Japan’s Osaka casino. The licenses might be 30 years long, and the gaming tax of 17% is less than that of Singapore and Macau (25% and 40%, respectively), according to tourism expert Boonyakorn Amornsank via Bangkok Post.
But there’s a hitch. Thailand's regulatory draft is missing a few details, including a license cap, which has spooked some experts. David Leppo from CheckMate Mitigation said, “Major operators won’t touch it without a strong legal framework.” Singapore nailed this 20 years ago with clear rules and two world-class resorts. Thailand has to be strategic and thorough, or it will scare big players away.
For local punters, this could mean legitimate, world-class casinos in tourist areas without the need to cross borders. According to Reuters, Thailand aims to reclaim its title as the world's tourism capital, having already seen nearly 36 million visitors in 2024. Local economies could benefit from jobs and tax revenue, particularly in cities like Chiang Mai.
Conclusion
Thailand’s push for casinos is accelerating, with Bangkok and Chonburi now in the running, along with Chiang Mai and Phuket. It's a gamble that stands to earn billions and put the country back on the tourism map, but the public is not on board, and the regulations need work. If they succeed, Thailand might take the crown from Singapore for gaming in 2029. If not, it’s a pricey lesson to go big or home. Either way, the dice are rolling—let’s see where they land.
Read more: Thailand's Casino Bill Receives a Makeover for Tourist Access, and MGM is launching a $2.5 billion BetMGM push with a Vegas makeover and Global Expansion.