Thailand tightens casino bill provisions, blocks remote gambling

March 3, 2025

Thailand tightens casino bill provisions, blocks remote gambling

Several new amendments have been added to Thailand’s entertainment complex bill, including provisions that would prohibit casino operators from offering remote gambling services, according to local media reports.

The Council of State has completed its review of the draft legislation, with cabinet review scheduled for 11 March 2025. The proposed regulations include specific measures designed to restrict gambling activities to physical casino premises only.

Cabinet preps to weigh new measures

Reportedly, the sections 61 and 62 of the bill now explicitly prohibit online gambling and live-streaming of casino activities. These provisions would prevent operators from enabling remote participation, effectively outlawing practices common in neighbouring jurisdictions such as the Philippines.

Section 61 specifically forbids licensees from providing gambling access through computer systems, electronic devices or the internet to individuals outside the casino grounds. Meanwhile, section 62 reinforces this by prohibiting any person from facilitating such access and banning live-streaming of gambling activities.

These restrictions would likely eliminate proxy betting, an alleged practice where remote players telephone their wagers through to representatives physically present on casino premises.

Perhaps most controversially, Section 65 of the amended bill proposes that Thai nationals must possess at least 50 million baht (€1.3 million) in bank deposits maintained for at least six months to enter the country’s casinos. Additionally, Thai citizens would need to register, undergo screening, and pay an entry fee not exceeding 5,000 baht per visit, if they wish to play.

This financial threshold appears designed to limit casino access exclusively to wealthy Thais, though government representatives have already expressed scepticism about the provision’s practicality. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently warned that such restrictions could undermine the purpose of casino legalisation by driving less affluent locals back to illegal gambling operations.

Industry nervous over the proposal

Industry stakeholders have also voiced concerns. Genting Singapore, which operates Resorts World Sentosa, told analysts it would struggle to commit to substantial investment in an integrated resort if the market were effectively reduced to predominantly foreign visitors.

The bill’s restrictive approach highlights Thailand’s cautious stance toward gambling liberalisation. While the government seeks to capture revenue currently flowing to illegal operations and neighbouring countries, it remains wary of potential social consequences from widespread gambling access.

The cabinet review on 11 March 2025 will be closely watched by industry observers and potential investors, particularly regarding whether the controversial financial requirements for Thai nationals will remain in the final legislation.