A recent opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) highlights significant public resistance to Thailand’s proposed casino-entertainment complexes and online gambling legalization. The survey, conducted on January 20-21 via telephone with 1,310 participants across the country, offers insights into the public’s stance on these controversial government proposals.
Opposition to Casino Complexes and Online Gambling
The poll results show that 59.19% of respondents oppose the development of integrated entertainment complexes that include casinos. Meanwhile, 28.93% expressed support for both the complexes and the casinos, while 8.63% favored entertainment complexes without casinos. A small percentage—1.60%—supported the inclusion of casinos alone, and 1.68% refrained from commenting.
When asked about legalizing online gambling, public sentiment was similarly unfavorable. A majority, 58.32%, strongly opposed the move, while 19.92% strongly supported it. Additionally, 11.45% somewhat agreed with the initiative, and 10.31% somewhat disagreed.
Referendums on Gambling Proposals
The survey also explored public opinion on holding referendums for the construction of casino complexes and the legalization of online gambling. Results revealed a majority (51.07%) opposed holding referendums for both issues, while 37.86% supported the idea. Smaller groups supported referendums for either the casino-entertainment complex project (5.11%) or online gambling legalization (3.89%). About 1.99% had no opinion on the matter.
Broader Implications of Legal Gambling
Despite the opposition, proponents argue that legal gambling could provide significant economic benefits for Thailand. Advocates of the legislation highlight its potential to attract global tourism and generate substantial government revenue. For example, the Finance Ministry estimates the proposed entertainment complexes could boost GDP by 0.2% during construction and 0.7% post-construction.
However, critics warn of social costs and corruption risks. The Stop Gambling Foundation of Thailand has criticized the legislation, calling it a short-term fix that ignores deeper societal issues. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for criminal activity and the lack of measures to prevent exploitation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a vocal supporter of the initiative, recently emphasized that entertainment complexes are designed to boost tourism and would not serve as mere gambling hubs. She assured the public that the bill would undergo revisions to address concerns and that casinos would only form a small component of the broader entertainment complexes.
The proposed legislation, currently under review by the Council of State, includes plans for five integrated resorts featuring hotels, conference centers, amusement parks, concert venues, and casinos. If approved, the first complexes could open by 2029, positioning Thailand ahead of Japan in the race to develop legal casino resorts.
Source:
Survey Finds Most Thais Oppose Casino and Online Gambling Legalization, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, January 27, 2025.