The Las Vegas Sands Corp founder had plans drawn up for integrated resorts which he presented to government officials in 2010 amidst chatter that legalisation could be coming sooner rather than later.

The late Sheldon Adelson already had one eye on Thailand as early as 2005. With over 39.8 million visitors in 2019, including a significant number from China, there is a growing need to enhance the tourism offering and stimulate further economic growth. Thailand's robust tourism industry provides a compelling case for integrated resorts. “Special Zones” are being talked about that would potentially include exemption from Thai ownership requirements, allowing powerhouse names from the likes of Las Vegas and Macau to step in unhindered. The opportunity to start with a blank sheet of paper and with all of the advantages mentioned above, it is no surprise that many international operators of note have expressed interest in building resorts.Ĭurrently, no locations are certain but Bangkok, the seaside resort of Pattaya, and paradise island Phuket are the three most obvious candidates. Buddhist clergy and conservative politicians at least, with underground casinos possibly holding considerable sway in the background. Though on the surface, Thailand appears to have a smooth path towards making these changes, there is still substantial resistance in Thai society as a whole.

“Thailand’s status as a regional business hub and global tourist destination plus domestic appetite for gaming suggest Thai gaming could blossom into the Philippines on steroids.'

“Thailand has a once in a generation opportunity to become one of the most successful gaming jurisdictions in the world. Spectrum Gaming Group's Managing Director, Frederic Gushin, wrote how Thailand is in perfect position to replicate the success of the Philippines with a superior status as a business hub and tourist destination. He went on to highlight that the country not only has the potential to become a regional powerhouse for gaming but also one of the biggest centres in the world. James Kaplan, CEO of Destination Capital, said in a statement: 'Thailand will do 'it', but the question is what the 'it' will look like'. Legal Casinos Coming to Thailand within Three Years? A knowledgeable source claims that full legalisation will come within three years. Thailand is moving closer to legalising casino gambling, with international and regional operators seeing the country as a lucrative landscape.

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