Thaksin Advocates for a Comprehensive and Honest Casino License Approval System
Fresh Take
Breaking: Thailand Plans Mega-Entertainment Complexes with Casinos
By: Lucy D. 01/21/2025 05:32
The Lowdown on Thailand's Casino Licensing Plan
Thailand is sets to revolutionize its tourism industry with large-scale entertainment complexes, where gaming areas will only take up less than 10% of the space. The remaining areas will be allocated for hotels, convention centers, and tourist attractions to stimulate economic growth.
Lucy is a seasoned content creator who specializes in casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. With over six years in the industry, she has worked with international clients from countries such as the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Prior to her current role, she studied psychology at Rutgers University and briefly pursued a career as a painter.
Casinos Make a Comeback
Thailand's plan involves developing ambitious entertainment complexes that will create job opportunities and significantly increase revenue. The country anticipates earning THB195 billion annually from gaming alone, along with additional tourism-related income.
The Application and Approval Process
- Bidding Deadline: The announcement of the bidding process has been pushed back to 2027 due to political debates and Senate reviews.
- Tax Structure: Operators will pay a 17% gross gaming tax, a lower rate compared to Singapore (22-32%) and Macau (39%). This could lead to increased profitability.
- Competing Operators: Companies such as Galaxy Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Melco are among the top contenders to secure Thailand's coveted casino licenses. Other potential bidders include Philippine operators and the Genting Group.
Senate Review and Concerns
- Senate Committee: A 34-member panel is assessing the bill for six months (until October 2025) amid lobbying concerns.
- Public Demonstrations: Protests have arisen over concerns about gambling addiction risks, pushing for safety measures in the bill.
Economic Forecasts
Maybank analysts predict that Thai integrated resorts will have the highest EBITDA margins in Asia thanks to Thailand's low taxes and thriving tourism infrastructure. The complexes aim to diversify income beyond gaming, focusing primarily on ancillary services to attract visitors.
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- Lucy's blog encompasses comprehensive reviews and news about casinos, software providers, and games, reflecting her six years of experience in the industry.
- The planned entertainment complexes in Thailand, which will include casinos, will lead to increased revenue and job opportunities, with an annual earning of THB195 billion from gaming alone.
- Galaxy Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Melco are among the top contenders in the bidding process for Thailand's casino licenses, which is expected to start in 2027.
- Due to concerns about lobbying and gambling addiction risks, a 34-member Senate committee is reviewing the bill for six months, with public demonstrations pushing for safety measures to be included.
- According to Maybank analysts, the EBITDA margins for Thailand's integrated resorts are expected to be the highest in Asia due to the country's low taxes and thriving tourism infrastructure, with the complexes primarily focusing on ancillary services to attract visitors.
