Thailand Casino Legalization May Not Arrive Until 2030, Says Industry Expert

_{Fredric Gushin, industry expert with Spectrum Gaming Group, discussed the future of casino legalization in Thailand during an interview at G2E Asia in Macau. (Image: Spectrum Gaming Group)}

The legalization of casinos in Thailand may not take place until 2030 or 2031, according to leading industry expert Fredrick Gushin of Spectrum Gaming Group.

During an interview at G2E Asia in Macau, Gushin discussed the future of legalized gambling in Thailand, offering his long-term perspective and highlighting potential pitfalls the industry may face along the way.

Gushin said the future of casino legalization in Thailand is promising but will be a gradual process. He emphasized that while it’s unlikely to happen overnight, the country is ultimately moving toward establishing legal casino destinations.

“I think it's going to be a process. I think it's not going to go as fast as some people think, but I think it will ultimately happen,” he said.

Gushin predicts that the earliest possible launch of a casino, possibly even a temporary one, could come around 2028 or 2029, though a more realistic estimate is 2030 or 2031.

Legalization Would Complement Thailand’s Tourism Industry

Gushin believes legalizing casinos in Thailand would positively impact the country’s entertainment and tourism sectors. He argues that a well-regulated casino industry could complement Thailand’s thriving tourism market, attract international investment, and boost the economy. However, he stressed that the process must be carefully managed, with a focus on developing a robust regulatory framework.

To successfully legalize and operate casinos, Gushin identified several key considerations for the Thai government:

“When countries evaluate whether to go into another country, they always do a risk assessment. They look at political stability and they look at corruption,” Gushin said.

“Clearly, Thailand has a manufacturing segment—Ford and other companies are operating there. They have international hotel chains, and they’re going to have to basically assure the investors and the casino companies that it's an environment in which they can do business and get a return on investment.”

Regulatory Framework Essential to Success

Gushin said a robust regulatory framework is essential to the success of legalized casinos in Thailand. Developing a comprehensive, transparent, and enforceable system, including anti-money laundering procedures, socially responsible gaming policies, and clear licensing guidelines, is vital.

He recommended responsible gaming tools, such as income and bank balance checks, similar to those used in Singapore.

“Bringing in a major company, you're bringing in their compliance teams, their anti-money laundering procedures, their socially responsible gaming programs. 

They bring in the healthcare, the treatment, they bring in all of those types of things to minimize harm.”

Public and political support is also essential for successful legalization. Gushin said building consensus among political parties and the public is necessary. Addressing opposition by emphasizing the benefits and ensuring adequate social protections can facilitate smoother implementation.

Learning From Global Casino Destinations

Gushin believes Thailand can learn from the successes and setbacks of other global casino destinations. He cited Japan’s delays and challenges, as well as models from Singapore and Macau, as examples of what to emulate or avoid.

“It takes time. In Japan, the prefectures were partly to blame for choosing operators or partners who simply could not meet the standard. And the government seemed to allow the opponents to take charge and not respond to those types of issues. So those are some of the lessons Thailand can learn now.”

Process Will Be Long, Requires Patience

Gushin concluded that while the road to legalized casinos in Thailand will include challenges, with diligent planning and responsible governance, the industry could become a strong contributor to the Thai economy in the next decade. 

The process will require patience, a deep understanding of the industry, and strong regulatory oversight—but the prospects remain optimistic.