Thailand Changes Casino Bill After Public and Investor Concerns

Thailand's Entertainment Complex Bill, which has sparked heated debate across the country, continues to undergo significant revisions. Lawmakers have recently made adjustments to one of its most controversial provisions — the millionaire clause that would have restricted access to casinos based on the financial status of Thai nationals. This clause, which required potential gamblers to demonstrate at least 50 million baht (approximately £1.16 million or $1.5 million) in savings, has been removed in response to widespread criticism and concerns over its economic implications.

• Millionaire clause removed: Thai nationals no longer need to prove they have 50 million baht to access casinos.
• New income tax requirement: Gamblers must now show three years of income tax returns to enter casinos.
• Public opposition grows: 59% of Thais disapprove of the proposed casino developments, with protests increasing.

The Millionaire Clause

The initial proposal aimed to curb the risk of problem gambling by limiting access to only the wealthiest individuals in Thailand. With the country’s average yearly income standing at approximately 348,000 baht in 2023, the 50 million baht requirement would have excluded most Thais from participating. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira explained that the government’s analysis revealed only about 10,000 Thai accounts meet the threshold of 50 million baht, prompting lawmakers to reconsider the provision.

The millionaire clause was also seen as potentially creating a “foreigner-only regime,” a system where casinos would cater exclusively to international visitors, similar to South Korea’s gambling policy. Gaming analyst Daniel Cheng warned that such an approach could stifle investor interest. Genting Singapore, a major potential investor, expressed reservations about entering a market where only foreign nationals would be allowed to gamble. In light of this, the government has opted to lower the threshold for domestic gamblers.

New Proposal

In the latest draft of the bill, the millionaire clause has been replaced with a more inclusive requirement: Thai nationals would now need to show proof of having filed three years of income tax returns. This change is expected to broaden access to the casinos while still ensuring that gamblers can demonstrate financial responsibility. Additionally, the casino entry fee of 5,000 baht remains unchanged, providing another layer of financial protection against excessive gambling.

Another important aspect of the revised bill is the prohibition of online gambling, which has been a growing concern in the region. The new legislation would also ban live-streaming from casino floors, a measure designed to curb the practice of proxy betting. This type of betting allows gamblers to place bets on behalf of others who are not physically present at the casino, a practice that has surged in Southeast Asia over the past few years. In 2016, Macau implemented a ban on proxy betting to prevent mainland Chinese high rollers from circumventing capital controls. The Thai government’s decision to follow suit aims to reduce similar risks and maintain the integrity of casino operations.

Despite the government's efforts to refine the bill, public opposition to casinos remains strong. A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed that 59% of Thai respondents disapproved of the proposed entertainment complexes, which would include casinos. Only 29% expressed support for the development. The growing discontent was evident last weekend when protesters took to the streets of Bangkok, waving Thai flags and carrying signs opposing the casino plan. The demonstrators, who have gathered a petition with 100,000 signatures, are calling on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the government to reconsider their stance on the issue.

 

The government checked the data and found there are only 10,000 Thai accounts with at least 50 million baht

The Future

Protesters have voiced concerns about the social and cultural impacts of legalized gambling in Thailand, while others worry about the potential rise in problem gambling and its effects on the country’s vulnerable populations. Despite these concerns, the government continues to push forward with the bill, emphasizing its potential to boost tourism and generate significant revenue for the Thai economy.

As the Entertainment Complex Bill continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it will garner sufficient support from both lawmakers and the public. While the revised provisions aim to address some of the most contentious issues, the increasing opposition and growing protests suggest that the road ahead will not be smooth. For now, the fate of Thailand’s casino ambitions hinges on a delicate balancing act between economic development and public sentiment.