Earlier this year, we reported on a draft Thailand casino bill that looked set to transform gambling in the Asian country. With gambling in the country outlawed for the last century, this marked a significant turning point, and the proposal generated lots of excitement among players and operators.
Since then, the Thailand casino bill has caused a degree of controversy within the country. Now, the Thai Senate has called for the legislation to be discussed in a special session. What does this mean for the future of gambling in Thailand? Read on to find out.
Opposition to the Bill
The Thailand casino bill has been the subject of much debate and discussion. After being passed by the cabinet in March, there was public outcry. This backlash culminated in a street protest with hundreds of demonstrators who marched in opposition to the proposed legislation.
Critics of the bill maintain that legalised casinos in Thailand will lead to a proliferation of crime and other social issues. Calls for the bill to be scrapped entirely have been gradually ratcheting up, with numerous protests and petitions.
What Happens Next?
In response to the negative public opinion generated by the bill, Thai Senator Wichaya Suwanphrom called a special senate session to discuss the legislation and the opposition it has created.
The session panel will meet on 23 April this year, and the process is expected to take up to 180 days before it concludes. Of course, this means that the bill will face lengthy delays. Previously, optimistic supporters maintained that the bill could be enshrined in law by as early as this summer. Now, however, it looks set to be pushed back to 2026 at least, if the bill even passes.
What Does the Future Hold?
We’re seeing new gambling markets regulated all over the world. Governments are coming to realise the financial benefits that gambling can offer, and the Thai government is no different. The Thailand casino bill is expected to give tourism a 10% boost and experts predict that it could create up to 15,000 new jobs.
However, despite the potential benefits that a regulated gambling market could offer country, opposition to the legislation continues to ramp up. Some commentators believe that the bill is doomed to fail, and protest group leaders have vowed to ensure it never becomes law.
Conclusion
The news that Thailand looked set to legalise casinos created a buzz across the global gambling community. The country already has a healthy tourism sector, but giving visitors access to casino resorts would only serve to boost these numbers.
Unfortunately, opposition to the bill could completely derail things. However, the special session may just give legislators a path through the backlash, and amendments could be made to the bill to suit all concerned parties.
Indeed, some commentators claim that the delays will only be a positive in the long run. With more time to hash out the details, a new and improved bill could be reintroduced in the future. Whatever happens, it’s an exciting time for the gambling sector and we’ll be watching the situation in Thailand closely.
