Il porto di Bangkok ha ottenuto l'approvazione per un possibile complesso di intrattenimento
By: Lucas Dunn01/28/2025 05:32 World Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC by 4.0
The Big Picture
Thailand is pushing forward with the potential establishment of casinos and integrated resorts, with Bangkok at the forefront. However, gambling legalization remains a contentious issue. Nevertheless, gambling operators can't help but show interest in Thailand's flourishing market.
Bangkok on the Casino Map
The city of Bangkok is under scrutiny as a potential location for integrating resorts and casinos. Despite competing proposals for casino licenses in other provinces like Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, availability could be higher in Bangkok, with possibly two licenses designated exclusively for the city.
The Thai government's Entertainment Complex project aims to develop integrated resort hubs, and six major global casino operators are reportedly gearing up to bid on this project. The attractive Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area, with its robust infrastructure and links to significant airports, is a prime target for development.
Meanwhile, EXCLUSIVE: Asset World Corp and Marriott International are planning a JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok—a massive recreation-led entertainment and MICE destination—in the city's new central business district, adding to Bangkok's global relevance as a leisure and business hub.
Legal Hurdles to Overcome
Thailand is stepping forward in drafting legislation for casino operations, gambling rules, and licenses. It's a long-anticipated move that dates back to political efforts as early as 2008. The bill's progress sparked excitement about swift developments upon its passage, with construction and opening of integrated resorts expected to follow suit.
The legislation aims to boost Thailand's tourism industry, potentially making it a top gaming jurisdiction—a competitor to macro-gaming hubs like Macau and Singapore.
A noteworthy future event, the Thai Entertainment Complex Summit scheduled in November 2025, will further delve into the details of the bill, licensees' roles, and the summit's impact on tourism and Asia's gaming landscape.
The Road to Legalization: The Shinawatra Influence
The bill's progress can be traced back to the efforts of the Shinawatra family and other conglomerates. With anticipated swift development after the legislation passes, Thailand stands on the verge of becoming a significant player in the global casino market.
Enrichment Insights:- These insights highlight the global casino operators, including GEG, Melco, MGM, Crown, and Bally's, reportedly preparing bids for the Thailand Entertainment Complex project.- It also provides more context on the role of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which offers a strategic location with strong infrastructure, making it a prime area for quick development following the passage of legalization.- Finally, the upcoming Thai Entertainment Complex Summit will explore the bill's finer details, the role of licensees, and its potential impact on tourism and Asia's gaming industry.
Frees spins could potentially be offered as a promotion by casinos within the integrated resorts, following Thailand's legalization of gambling and the introduction of such resorts in cities like Bangkok. The financial implications of this development could significantly boost the Thai tourism industry, positioning it as a notable competitor in the global gambling market, akin to the status of cities like Macau and Singapore.
