Thailand Proposes Casino Access Only for Millionaire Citizens

The Thai government has released a draft regulation outlining entry rules for locals in newly proposed casinos. According to Reuters, if passed, the law would effectively bar most Thai citizens from gambling.

Under the proposal, Thai nationals would only be allowed inside casinos if they hold at least $1.5 million in fixed deposits for a minimum of six months. This financial threshold would automatically exclude the majority of residents from participating. But that’s not the only barrier.

Locals would also be required to pay an entry fee of approximately $150 per visit — an amount comparable to the monthly income of many Thai citizens.

Casinos remain illegal in Thailand for now, but the government is moving toward legalizing the industry. Interestingly, potential investors had viewed Thai citizens as the primary customer base, given the widespread popularity of underground gambling. Estimates suggest that up to half of the country’s adult population could become casino patrons, positioning Thailand as a major gaming market.

These restrictions, however, could dampen international casino operators’ interest in investing. The proposal still faces public hearings and parliamentary approval before becoming law.

Currently, the only legal forms of gambling in Thailand are state-controlled horse racing and the national lottery. Despite the prevalence of underground betting, recent public polls indicate that most Thais remain opposed to legalizing casinos.