MGM Eyes Thai Casino Market with Bold Proposal
Key Takeaways
MGM Resorts International is planning to enter the Thai gambling market. The company is calling for favourable conditions: low taxes and access for local residents. Thailand is currently considering legalizing casinos. MGM sees great potential for an integrated casino resort in Bangkok.
MGM Calls for Competitive Tax Policy
Ed Bowers, President of Global Development at MGM, has advocated for a tax structure that is attractive to investors. He proposes a tax rate of 17%—similar to Singapore. For comparison: in Macau, the tax burden is around 40%, and in Japan, it is 30%.
A lower tax rate would make Thailand more attractive to international operators and facilitate competition with other Asian markets.
Locals Should Be Granted Access
Another key point for MGM: casino access should not be limited to tourists. Thailand had originally planned an entry fee of 5,000 baht (approximately 140 USD) for locals. A so-called “millionaire clause,” which would have allowed entry only to individuals with assets over 50 million baht (about 1.5 million USD), was also under discussion.
Both proposals have since been dropped, as they would have excluded a large portion of the Thai population. Bowers emphasizes that models relying solely on tourists are economically risky. He cites the “Inspire” resort in South Korea as an example, which posted a loss of 104 million USD in its first year and is now up for sale.
Bangkok as a Strategic Location
Bangkok is considered a promising location for an integrated casino resort. The city has over 11.5 million residents and, with Suvarnabhumi Airport, serves as a major international hub. In 2024, nearly 61 million passengers were handled there.
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Gambling expert Bo Bernhard believes that two resorts in Bangkok could generate higher revenues than Singapore. MGM already operates casinos in Macau and is currently building another in Japan. A location in Thailand would further expand the company’s presence in Asia.
Our Assessment
Thailand is on the verge of a major step toward regulated gambling. MGM is getting involved early in the discussion and is setting clear priorities: fair tax conditions and access for local residents. Experiences from other Asian markets show that a sustainable casino model cannot rely solely on tourists.
Bangkok’s infrastructure and population density provide ideal conditions for an integrated resort. If Thailand establishes the right legal framework, the country could become a major casino destination in Southeast Asia. MGM is positioning itself strategically to benefit from this development.
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