Thai committee urges casino approval

A parliamentary committee in Thailand, charged with examining the case for legalising gambling, is proposing the opening of casinos.

According to Bloomberg and reported in GGR Asia, the committee’s report to the National Assembly calls for entertainment complexes that would include casinos to be opened across the country.

Thailand is seeking ways to boost its tourism industry and the opening of casinos is viewed as one potential asset to the campaign.

The committee vice-chairman is quoted as saying: “We are focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money. This would also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect taxes for our economy.”

He suggested that the equivalent of $10.9bn could be collected in additional taxes annually if a string of casinos was to open with a 30 per cent tax on casino profits. The report also suggested that Thais over 20 and with positive bank balances should be permitted to gamble.