Thailand’s Casino Plan Locals Need PHP80M to Enter

Thailand plans strict casino entry rules, including a 50M baht (₱80M) financial threshold for locals. Public hearings will help shape the final regulations.

Thailand is moving forward with plans to establish casinos, but proposed regulations outline strict entry requirements for Thai nationals. Draft legislation released by the Office of the Council of State details financial criteria and entry fees for locals wishing to gamble in these establishments.

The draft regulations stipulate that Thai citizens must have a minimum of 50 million baht (approximately $1.43 million USD or 80.4 million PHP as of January 1, 2025) in fixed deposits held for at least six months to be eligible to enter casinos. In addition, a 5,000 baht (approximately $143 USD or 8,040 PHP) entry fee is proposed. These requirements are designed to regulate access to the casinos and are subject to change following public consultation.

While gambling is largely prohibited in Thailand, some forms are permitted, including state-run lotteries, horse racing, and betting on certain sporting events. The proposed casinos represent a potential expansion of the gambling sector.

A previous report by Citi estimated a substantial potential market for casino gambling in Thailand, suggesting a large percentage of the adult population could be interested. However, the proposed financial requirements could limit access to a smaller segment of the population.

Public hearings on the draft casino legislation are scheduled to take place between February 15th and March 1st. These hearings will provide an opportunity for public feedback on the proposed regulations. The government will then consider this feedback before finalizing the legislation. The impact of the proposed casinos on tourism and the broader economy remains a subject of ongoing discussion.

Read related article: Thailand Seeks Public Input on Casino Bill in Online Hearing