Major Macau operators gear up for Thailand’s casino bill
Macau’s major casino operators, including Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Galaxy Entertainment Group, are among those positioning themselves as top contenders for potential gaming licences in Thailand, according to a White Paper released by local media.
Thailand is on the cusp of a significant shift in its gambling laws, with the government pushing forward a bill to legalise casinos within large entertainment complexes. This move aims to boost tourism and create jobs, but it comes with stringent conditions that may limit local participation and raise questions about its effectiveness.
According to Citigroup report estimates, if legalised, the Thai gaming market could generate up to $9.1 billion in annual revenue by 2031. The bill, currently under parliamentary review, must be approved by Thailand’s House of Representatives, Senate, and receive final endorsement from King Rama X before becoming law.
Macau casino operator’s efforts
Macau-based casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment has opened an office in Bangkok and is planning to invest in integrated resorts and hotel in Thailand. This highlights that the operator plans to bank on the country legalising gambling.
Lawrence Ho, chairman and chief executive of Melco, dubbed Thailand as a top tourism country with great hospitality and a unique culture. Speaking at a Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) event, Ho said the company has set up a new office in Bangkok. New opportunities and collaboration will be explored via the new location.
MGM Resorts also remains optimistic about Thailand’s casino legislation despite ongoing delays and public opposition, with CEO Bill Hornbuckle expecting lawmakers to approve the Entertainment Complex Bill by early 2026. Hornbuckle acknowledged that progress on the bill had been slower than he had hoped. However, he suggests that the process would not take longer once the legislation is passed. He noted that if a company is also fortunate enough to secure a licence and develop a substantial project, Thailand would offer strong financial potential.
Galaxy Entertainment has also expressed interest and plans to send a team to assess the market. Macau’s other global operators are reportedly exploring opportunities in Thailand. These include Las Vegas Sands, Genting Singapore, and Wynn (through its US operations).
What’s the proposed law?
Under the proposed law, businesses investing in entertainment complexes must obtain licences for at least four different operations and cannot invest solely in casinos. The bill includes strict regulations, such as a ban on linking gambling activities to online platforms and broadcasting casino games. The government expects the legislation to generate at least 100 billion baht (€2.73 billion) in new investment and boost foreign tourism by five to ten percent annually.
The bill has also met with protests, with the latest one seeing protestors gathering outside the Thai prime minister’s official residence on 1 April 2025. They protested against the government’s proposed entertainment complex and online casino bill, arguing that the legislation, which is set to be debated in parliament, threatens public morality and lacks proper consultation.
