Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: International operators await details on Thai casino law

Good morning. International operators have their sights set on Thailand, but as the legislative process drags on, even more questions are arising. The criteria for the selection of companies to operate the country’s first ‘entertainment complexes’ is still very much being formulated. But that’s not stopping teams on the ground. Meanwhile, four locations have been chosen as the nation’s potential first cities for casino development, with some being more attractive than others. And in the Philippines, the nation is working hard to maintain its non-grey list status with the FATF, pushing for better AML and compliance.

What you need to know

• Int’l casino operators closely monitoring Thailand’s IR legislative progress as the country moves closer to legalizing casinos: Analyst.
• Philippines steps up efforts to avoid FATF grey list re-entry by strengthening anti-money laundering regulations and addressing gambling-related risks.
• Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket chosen as Thailand’s first four cities for casino development projects.

On the radar

• Rising debt levels reveal financial challenges for gaming suppliers.
• Success Universe expects FY24 consolidated profit to drop 40-50%.
• Macau targets long-haul markets with relaunched travel scheme.
• Japan National Police estimate 3.37M Japanese gambled online.
• Queensland Feb gaming tally up 4.7% yoy, but monthly results drop.

AGB Intelligence

THAILAND

International operators waiting on final version of casino law

Thailand has been taking steady steps to move forward with legislation for the first legal casinos in the country. But international operators are getting a bit antsy, eager to capitalize on the new market and the opportunities it brings. A top legal expert questions what criteria will be used in selecting the bidding companies, while noting that some locations will be much more attractive than others.?

Industry Updates

• Affili.ph and FBM Emotion forge strategic alliance to elevate Philippine iGaming.
• PAGCOR inaugurates a new two-story socio-civic facility in Bataan

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