Thailand to Legalize Casino Resorts by July 2025

Key Takeaways
The Thai government plans to make a new law legalizing so-called entertainment complexes with integrated casinos a top priority in Parliament by July 2025. The aim is to boost tourism and economic development. International operators such as Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts are already showing strong interest. The planned projects require significant investments and will be subject to strict controls.
Planned Casino Complexes: Scope and Investment
According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, each site in Bangkok could require investments between 200 and 300 billion baht (approximately 5 to 8 billion euros). Originally, the estimate was 100 billion baht. Three to five of these large-scale projects are planned, with a maximum of seven.
The complexes are set to include not only casinos but also leisure offerings such as theme parks, sports facilities, and digital experiences using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The government is currently in talks with companies from these sectors.
International Operators Show Interest
In recent weeks, representatives from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts have met with the Ministry of Finance. Both companies already operate major casino resorts worldwide and are now exploring entry into the Thai market. Bangkok offers attractive conditions with its infrastructure – including a well-developed public transportation network, an international airport, and around 40 million tourists annually.
Strict Monitoring and Regulation
The government is planning comprehensive measures to control the new facilities. Every visitor will be required to register, and nearly all areas of the casinos will be under video surveillance. According to Julapun, the monitoring will be even stricter than in the banking sector. The goal is to clearly distinguish the legal facilities from illegal gambling venues currently operating near the country’s borders or on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Measures Against Gambling Addiction and Money Laundering
To prevent gambling addiction, support programs and intervention options for family members will be introduced. Instead of blanket bans, the goal is to offer targeted assistance. In addition, Thai citizens will only be allowed access to the casinos if they can show proof of at least 50 million baht (approximately 1.3 million euros) in a bank account. However, this measure is intended to be just one part of the broader effort to combat illegal gambling.
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Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The full draft law is expected to be submitted to Parliament in July. The details will be discussed in the subsequent session. The project is at the top of the political priority list and could fundamentally reshape Thailand’s gambling and entertainment landscape.
Our Assessment
Thailand is taking a significant step toward regulated gambling. The combination of high investment, international interest, and strict regulations indicates that the country is aiming for a sustainable model. For players and investors, a new legal alternative in the Asian market could emerge. The key factor will be how consistently the government implements the planned controls and protective measures. We will continue to monitor the developments and keep you informed.