The ins and outs of legal casinos

While religious groups and the public criticise the Entertainment Complex Bill, the Pheu Thai Party is keen to forge ahead

- NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

Political leaders and the public continue to debate the merits and pitfalls of the government's proposed legislation to legalise casino operation in entertainment complexes.

A group united against gambling gathered outside the parliament recently to voice opposition to the latest version of the Entertainment Complex Act, claiming it includes loopholes that would fail to stop young people from gambling.

Buddhist, Christian and Islamic groups have all urged the government to drop the bill, warning of moral decline and serious social consequences.

The bill also faces tension in the House of Representatives between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party, a member of the government coalition that favours licensing online gambling.

A Senate special committee in charge of the bill called for a referendum on the project, warning the draft may contravene the constitution if passed into law.

Meanwhile, the administration of Paetongtarn Shinawatra maintains the entertainment complexes would include more than a casino, such as restaurants, bars, luxury hotels and sports venues.

The government said legalising casinos would create man-made destinations that enhance the tourism industry and the economy.

WHAT IS DEFINED AS AN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX AND WHAT ARE THE PROJECT TIMELINES?

According to Maybank Securities, an entertainment complex is defined as a venue that operates multiple types of entertainment businesses such as restaurants, bars, hotels, sports facilities or casinos.

The government is aggressively pushing the Entertainment Complex Act, aiming to pass the draft by the first quarter of 2026.

The cabinet approved the draft law for entertainment complexes on March 27. The next step is the first reading in the House of Representatives scheduled for July, where the principles of the bill can be approved.