Thailand has long had strict laws regarding gambling, and online casinos have operated in a legal gray area for years. Historically, gambling in Thailand was heavily restricted, with the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935) making most forms of gambling illegal, except for government-sanctioned activities like the Thai Lottery and horse racing organized by the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. However, as the online gambling industry expanded globally, Thai players started engaging with offshore casinos, even though these platforms were not legally authorized within the country. Despite this, online gambling remained an attractive option for many, with many international platforms offering a wide array of games, sports betting, and other gambling options to Thai players.
Over time, illegal forms of online gambling, such as unregulated websites and underground casinos, became prevalent. This continued for many years despite the government’s stance on gambling being prohibited. However, as of 2026, Thailand is reevaluating its approach to gambling, particularly with the rise in demand for both land-based casinos and online gambling platforms.
The Thai government has begun to explore the possibility of legalizing both land-based casinos and online gambling. In 2026, discussions have advanced about a draft law allowing the establishment of casinos within entertainment complexes. This move is aimed at regulating the gambling industry and ensuring that it contributes to the nation’s economy. Supporters of the move, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, argue that legalized gambling could generate significant tax revenue, potentially contributing up to 100 billion baht annually (roughly $2.89 billion).
As part of this shift, there is increasing support for regulating online gambling within Thailand Government bodies like the Home Affairs Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry are working on creating a regulatory framework that will oversee gambling operations. The focus of these regulations will be to ensure that only licensed and trustworthy operators can offer online gambling services to Thai residents and to enforce responsible gambling practices.
In the coming years, Thailand is likely to see the introduction of stricter regulations on online casinos. These could include licensing requirements, taxation on casino revenues, measures for ensuring fair play, and guidelines for responsible gambling, including age restrictions and self-exclusion options. While the full legalization process has not been completed, these efforts represent a major shift in Thailand’s approach to gambling, and the country could soon become a regulated market for online casinos and other gambling activities.