Gambling in Thailand? Current Legislation and Future Developments

For decades, Thailand has maintained strict regulations surrounding gambling, with the Gambling Act of 1935 (B.E. 2478) forming the cornerstone of the country’s gambling laws. While there is growing interest in the potential legalization of casinos by 2027, the current legal framework permits only a limited range of gambling activities, each closely monitored by regulatory bodies.

This article offers an overview of the legalized gambling activities, the process of obtaining licenses, and the prospects for future developments in Thailand’s gambling landscape.

Gambling Activities Currently Allowed in Thailand

Despite a general prohibition on gambling, certain forms of gambling are legally permitted under the conditions set out by the Gambling Act. These activities fall under Conditional Gambling (List B) and include lotteries, horse racing, government-sanctioned betting events, and charity events with gambling components.

Lotteries

The most common and widely accepted form of legal gambling in Thailand is the national lottery. Operated exclusively by the Government Lottery Office (GLO), the national lottery is held twice each month, on the 1st and the 16th. The Thai government tightly controls every aspect of the lottery, from the issuance of tickets to the allocation of proceeds.

Only the GLO is authorized to distribute lottery tickets, and all revenues are managed by the government. The sale of lottery tickets is restricted to licensed vendors, who must comply with strict regulations regarding pricing. Lottery ticket prices are fixed by the government to prevent overcharging, and violations can lead to fines or revocation of licenses.

The proceeds from lottery sales are directed in part to government revenue, with a significant portion allocated to public welfare initiatives, making the lottery a socially responsible form of gambling in the eyes of many Thais. The general public perceives the lottery as a low-risk, socially beneficial activity compared to more controversial forms of gambling, such as casinos or online betting.

Horse Racing

Horse racing, though a niche form of gambling, is another legal activity. Legal betting on horse racing is restricted to specific venues, most notably the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC), where licensed horse races are held. Those seeking to operate horse racing events must obtain a license from the Ministry of Interior.

This process involves submitting detailed plans to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including public safety and legal requirements. Betting is only permitted on designated race days, and the types and amounts of bets are tightly regulated.

Authorities regularly monitor race events to ensure fairness, and any violations of the betting rules can result in severe penalties. While horse racing is often associated with high-society events, it remains a controlled environment and is perceived as having a minimal risk of contributing to wider social harm.

Betting

In addition to horse racing and lotteries, the Thai government permits betting on certain sanctioned events, typically associated with traditional festivals or sports like Muay Thai. These betting activities are allowed only when the events are officially approved by the government.

Organizers of such events must obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Interior. The permit application process involves submitting detailed plans that outline the types of bets, the amount of money involved, and how proceeds will be managed. The government closely scrutinizes these applications to ensure that the gambling component remains secondary to the event itself and does not become the primary focus.

Betting is only allowed during the official hours and dates of the sanctioned event, and organizers must ensure responsible gambling practices. Public opinion generally views these government-sanctioned betting events as socially acceptable, largely due to their association with cultural or sporting traditions.

Gambling for Fundraising

Another legal form of gambling in Thailand can be found in certain charity events. Non-profit organizations are sometimes granted special permits to hold gambling activities as part of their fundraising efforts. These organizations must demonstrate that the gambling component of the event serves a charitable purpose and does not result in excessive profit-making.

The application process requires charity groups to submit detailed information about the event, including the type of gambling involved—whether raffles, auctions, or similar activities—and how the funds will be directed toward the charitable cause. The government conducts audits and inspections to ensure that the proceeds are used as intended, and any misuse of funds or failure to comply with the conditions of the permit can lead to the cancellation of the event.

Due to the philanthropic nature of these events, gambling for charitable causes is generally accepted by the public and is seen as contributing to social welfare rather than promoting gambling for profit.

Full List of Activities

Please note that direct English translations of the permitted gambling activities do not exist in some cases, so we have attempted to describe the activity.  Please also note that some of the activities have specific times that are permitted and prohibited:

The Process of Obtaining a Gambling License

For any of these permitted gambling activities, obtaining a license is a rigorous and carefully regulated process overseen by the Ministry of Interior. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including being a Thai national or legal resident, being at least 20 years of age, and having a clean criminal record with no involvement in illegal gambling or financial crimes.

The application process requires detailed documentation, including a business plan and financial disclosures, as well as assurances that the gambling activity will not negatively affect public welfare. In the case of charity events, applicants must provide a clear outline of how funds will be allocated to charitable causes.

Once submitted, the application is subject to a thorough review by the Ministry, which evaluates its potential social and economic impact. This includes a background check on the applicant to ensure their suitability for operating a gambling activity. License holders are required to adhere to strict conditions set forth in their license, such as limiting the scope of gambling activities, maintaining strict betting limits, and undergoing periodic compliance audits.

Any violation of these terms can result in penalties, including the revocation of the license.

Potential Legalization of Casinos

Looking ahead, Thailand is actively considering the possibility of legalizing casinos by 2027. As part of Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s agenda, a draft bill released in 2024 outlines the framework for establishing casino resorts. These resorts are intended to boost tourism, generate revenue, and create jobs. However, this proposal is still in its early stages, and public consultations are ongoing to assess the social impact of such a significant policy shift.

Should casinos become legal, they will be subject to strict regulation, with a licensing process designed to prevent social harm. It is expected that the framework for casino resorts will follow models used in other countries, focusing on attracting international tourists and implementing responsible gambling practices.

The exact terms of these future licenses are still under discussion, but the emphasis will likely be on maintaining a balance between economic benefits and social responsibility.

Thailand’s gambling industry remains one of the most tightly regulated in the region, with only a few activities allowed under strict conditions. Legal gambling is currently limited to lotteries, horse racing, government-sanctioned betting, and charity events, all of which require licenses that involve a detailed and stringent approval process. As the country moves closer to potentially legalizing casinos, businesses and investors must stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape to take advantage of future opportunities while ensuring they comply with Thailand’s commitment to responsible gambling practices.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is always recommended to consult a legal professional, such as Silk Legal, before engaging in highly regulated business activities in Thailand. Please get in touch with us by sending an email to [email protected].