Thailand Shelves Casino Bill, Advances Online Gaming Regulation
Thailand's parliament has shelved a controversial bill that would have legalized poki games, following a political scandal involving the former prime minister. Meanwhile, the country is moving forward with plans to regulate its growing online gaming industry.
Earlier this year, lawmakers proposed the Entertainment Complex Bill, which aimed to permit integrated casino resorts with poki games in various locations around the country. However, this bill was recently shelved, effectively blocking the legalization of a gambling industry over the summer.
In a surprising turn of events, Thailand is now focusing on the Game Industry Act. If passed, this act would create a regulator for online games and establish a tax structure for the industry. The bill, drafted in March, could become law by the end of 2025. This move comes as the gaming sector in Thailand is valued at up to 40 billion baht (US$1.23 billion) and is projected to reach 100 billion baht within the next decade.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made his stance clear on the matter. He has stated that under his leadership, there will be no legalization of poki games in Thailand. The specific government party that supported the shelved Entertainment Complex Bill is not specified, but the bill was proposed at the beginning of 2025.
To further boost the industry, Gamescom Asia 2025, one of the biggest B2B2C platforms for the games industry, will be held in Bangkok for the first time. This event is expected to bring together industry leaders and showcase the latest trends and innovations in gaming.
While the legalization of poki games in Thailand has been put on hold, the country is actively working towards regulating its online gaming industry. The Game Industry Act, if passed, will provide a framework for the growth and development of this sector. Meanwhile, the gaming sector continues to grow, with events like Gamescom Asia 2025 set to further boost its profile.
