Thailand Mulls Legalizing Online Gambling to Curb Illegal Platforms

    Thailand's government is considering legalizing online gambling as part of a broader reform to regulate the booming but illicit sector. Illegal gambling sites reportedly generate billions of baht annually, with much of the revenue going untaxed.

    The Ministry of Finance has commissioned a study to assess the economic benefits of legalizing online gambling. Initial findings suggest that regulation could yield significant tax revenue and create thousands of jobs. However, opponents cite moral and social concerns, particularly regarding youth exposure and gambling addiction.

    If approved, Thailand could adopt a licensing model similar to Singapore, emphasizing player protection, transparency, and government oversight.