Thai casinos could generate US$8.39bn in annual revenue, analysts say
Analysts at Maybank Securities expect the bill to legalise casinos to be approved by early 2026.
Thailand.- Analysts at Maybank Securities (Thailand) have forecast that casinos in Thailand could generate THB278bn (US$8.39bn) annually in revenue. Approximately THB195bn would be derived from gaming activity, while the remaining 30 per cent is expected to come from non-gaming segments such as accommodation, food and retail.
Analysts said the country’s large tourism base and relatively low proposed tax rate on gross gaming revenue (GGR) position it favourably in the region. They estimate that EBITDA margins for casino resorts could reach between 34 per cent and 49 per cent. That would surpass the performance of Macau and Singapore casinos, where tax rates on mass-market play range from 25 to 40 per cent.
According to analysts, legalising casinos is likely to absorb a significant portion of illegal online gambling, which the Center for Gambling Studies estimates to be worth around THB155bn annually. They expect the bill to legalise integrated resorts with casinos could be approved in 2026. The draft bill proposes 30-year casino licences with the option for a 10-year renewal.
A special Senate committee has reportedly been tasked to review the bill. According to the Bangkok Post, the first meeting will take place today (April 23). The meeting will focus on appointing a chairperson, outlining the framework for the study and nominating a replacement for Piayura. The committee has 180 days to complete its work.
A week ago, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he is confident that the bill will “easily” pass its first reading in the House of Representatives. The bill was expected to be debated in Parliament on April 9, but the debate was postponed due to the issues of US tariffs and last month’s earthquake. It will be reintroduced in the next parliamentary session.
