Thailand to decide on long or short-term casino licenses

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Thailand to decide on long or short-term casino licenses

Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office is reviewing public feedback on the gambling market, such as reducing the 30-year license to 10 years or, on the contrary, increasing it to 60 years.

Thailand is a southeastern country where most forms of gambling are illegal except for the national lottery and horse-race betting. In September, the government announced that it plans to legalize gambling together with the country’s first casino complex, which is planned to be open before Japan’s MGM Osaka launches in 2030.

The proposed complex will include at least four non-gaming zones, such as hotels and theme parks, with some pushing for as many as seven attractions that highlight Thai culture. According to the Thai House committee, the complex may generate 12 billion baht in taxes, which is equal to $358 million.

Public feedback

Back in September, Thai citizens showed their support for gambling legalization in Thailand. Now, most of them have different suggestions. Some people suggest reducing the 30-year license term to 10 years, while others think that increasing it to 60 years will work better. Moreover, another part thinks that winnings must be tax-free.

Ben Lee, managing partner of IGamiX Management and Consulting, said:

“If Thailand does it right, this could boost its appeal as a tourist destination. Thailand is a tourism juggernaut. It’s the one tourism market in the region everyone fears.”

Thailand will thoroughly examine the risks that will come together with the official decision.

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