Thailand PM Outlines Casino Interest from Six Operators

Thailand’s casino legislation efforts continue as everything points to the imminent legalization of integrated resorts. As the process moves forward, international communities continue to closely follow the developments.

Big Companies Are Eyeing Thailand

Prime Minister Prommin Lertsuridej recently addressed the matter, saying that six international operators, in particular, seem very interested in bidding for a license in Thailand. At the time of the report, the PM did not name the operators in question, although earlier reports give us a good idea as to who they might be.

Melco Resorts has been among the companies that have eyed Thailand since the very start. The company was originally interested in operating an integrated resort in Japan, although it eventually gave up on these plans. Now, Melco hopes to make up for its miss by targeting Thailand. To that end, it has already announced plans for an office in Bangkok.

Wynn Resorts has been another party that has closely followed the latest developments in Thailand. The company, which is currently hard at work on its Wynn Al Marjan resort in the UAE, continues to pursue international growth opportunities.

MGM Resorts has likewise been interested in the UAE and Thailand, hoping to become one of the pioneers in these fresh markets.

Other companies that have expressed interest in Thai casino gaming include Genting Malaysia, Las Vegas Sands and Galaxy Entertainment.

More Than Just Casinos

Casino gaming would be only a part of the appeal of Thailand’s planned resorts. According to PM Prommin Lertsuridej, the new legislation would focus on bolstering the country’s tourism sector by creating attractive destinations.

To that end, integrated resorts would offer thousands of rooms and multiple leisure and entertainment options other than gaming. This would include theaters, exhibition areas, shopping districts, theme parks and premium dining options, among other offerings.  

The Thai legislation has so far been moving at incredible speed thanks to the country’s ambition to overtake Japan, whose only integrated resort in progress has suffered multiple setbacks. The quick legislation has also been due to the government’s search for additional revenue streams.

If IRs hit the Thai market, experts predict a GDP boost of up to 0.7% once the projects are finished. The new properties are also projected to lead to a spike in tourism revenue and would create thousands of jobs.

Speaking of tourism, Melco recently predicted that the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus series would inspire more people to visit the Asian country.

Online Gaming Is Also on the Table

In the meantime, Thailand is also considering online gambling, which will further enhance the local economy. These legislative efforts are also considering legal crypto gaming, in line with the latest developments in the sector.

The draft rules for iGaming should be ready within a few weeks.