NIDA Survey Shows Most Thais Oppose Legalizing Online and Land-Based Casinos

Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) recently conducted a survey revealing that most Thais oppose the government’s plans to legalize casinos in entertainment complexes and online. 1,310 respondents participated in the survey through telephone interviews, and most wanted the proposal rejected.

The government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, approved the Entertainment Complex draft earlier this month. This bill will allow casinos to operate in integrated resorts (IRs). Currently, the only legal forms of gambling are a state-controlled lottery and horse races. However, underground sports betting and casino gambling are prevalent.

Survey Results

According to NIDA results, 59.19% of participants were against developing IRs with casinos in them, while 28.93% were for them. 8.63% supported entertainment complexes without casinos, while 1.60% expressed opposition to the complexes but supported casinos.

NIDA also questioned respondents on online gambling legalization, with 58.32% strongly opposing the initiative and 10.31% somewhat against it. Meanwhile, 19.92% strongly backed the casinos, while 11.45% showed moderate support.

The survey also questioned participants on the practicality of referendums for the proposed casino legalization legislation. 51.07% of the public view was against holding referendums, while 46.86% were in support of them.

Entertainment Complex Bill Progress

Earlier this month, PM Shinawatra announced that Thailand’s Cabinet had approved the Entertainment Complex Business Act. The bill is currently undergoing improvements while under review by the House of Representatives and Council of State before it is handed over to Parliament for further debate. The bill is expected to become law by 2026, paving the way for the first IR launch by 2029.

Despite public disapproval, casino legalization is getting plenty of support from key figures like Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin has voiced his support for the IR bill, stating that it could significantly bolster Thailand’s economy.

Potential Economic Impact

Proponents of casino gambling argue that Thailand could reap economically from the tourism and investment sector like its regional neighbors, including Singapore, the Philippines, and Laos. The industry is estimated to inject up to $9.1 billion in GGR annually into the Thai economy once it is fully established.

The strong public opposition witnessed in the NIDA survey could present issues for the Thai government in getting the public to embrace the IR initiatives. Discussions continue on the potential locations of these complexes, with Bangkok Port being considered for one of them.