Thai Government Set To Legalize Online Gambling

The government is preparing to legalize online gambling in Thailand, marking a bold step forward in regulating an industry that has long operated in the shadows. With this decision, Thailand hopes to address illegal activities, promote safe and responsible gambling, and create new economic opportunities for the country.

In this article, we will cover what the online gambling legalization plan is, who will be affected by it, as well as the purpose behind the plan and its future in 2025.

What is the Online Gambling Legalization Plan in Thailand?

The government’s proposal to legalize online gambling is centered on creating a well-regulated environment for digital gaming.

The plan aims to replace the unregulated underground gambling market running rampant online. Authorities hope to bring online gambling into a legal framework with a transparent and secure system in which all participants and operators will adhere to strict guidelines. It will also establish clear rules on taxation for operators, with a portion of the revenue reserved for public welfare projects.

However, the plan will not only affect operators of standard online gambling games, such as poker and roulette, but also those of online football and cockfighting betting platforms, among many others.

It is important to note that the online gambling legalization plan should not be confused with the Thailand casino legalization bill, which directly applies to physical venues located in entertainment complexes. This bill has already been approved by the Cabinet and is a similar but distinct effort to regulate Thailand’s widespread illegal gambling while increasing tax revenues. 

Who Will The Online Gambling Legalization Plan Affect?

As the purpose of the plan is to regulate the underground online gambling market, the individuals who will most be affected by the plan are:

• Operators: Those who wish to enter the online gambling market will need to meet regulatory standards and file a tax return for all their income earned from the market when tax season is due. 
• Participants: Those who participate in online gambling will have access to more secure legal platforms, where their rights will be protected and all transactions will be transparent. Underage online gambling is a serious issue in Thailand, so these regulations will hopefully restrict minors from participating.
  
• Illegal Operators: Those who continue to run online gambling platforms without the government’s approval will be liable to face penalties.

The Purpose of the Online Gambling Legalization Plan in Thailand

The proposal of the online gambling legalization plan stems from several key objectives:

• Address Illegal Activities: The government aims to address the issue of illegal gambling, which has been rampant despite existing prohibitions. By introducing a legal alternative, authorities hope to eliminate the widespread presence of unregulated platforms that often exploit players and evade taxes.
  
• Economic Gains: Legal online gambling is anticipated to generate substantial revenue through taxation. These funds will be used to support various public welfare programs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. By redirecting money from illegal operators into the economy, the government seeks to create a system that benefits society at large.
  
• Promote Responsible Practices: Licensed operators will most likely be required to implement safeguards, such as age verification and spending limits, to prevent addiction and protect vulnerable individuals. The government stresses that its intention is not merely to profit from the market but to ensure it operates ethically and responsibly.

However, to come into effect, the plan requires the amendment of minister-created secondary laws before the process to amend the major laws can begin, which will also need the Parliament’s approval.

On that note, the Digital Economy and Society, the Ministry of Interior, and the Council of the State will work together toward amending the secondary laws. The estimated time for them to complete this is said to be one month, according to Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Minister of the Digital Economy and Society.

As with casinos, online gambling becoming legal in Thailand appears to be just a matter of time.

Category: Thailand Law