Thailand is a nation that cherishes its traditions and religion, resulting in strict laws that also include casino games with a nearly a century-old law against gambling. However, it’s believed that its end is near as the government takes steps toward legalizing and regulating the casino market. While interested parties take the wait-and-see approach, Thais have found a loophole in the law allowing them to access gaming platforms because it neither allows nor explicitly prohibits online gaming.
So, if you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Thailand and feel like playing your favorite casino games, you’re in for a treat! There’s a vast selection of gaming platforms you can try. Read the Thai online casino reviews at thaicasinocenter.org to help you choose the best casino. This article will explore the regulatory landscape and the essentials you need to find a reliable online casino in Thailand for a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.
Legal Landscape
Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 bans all forms of gambling except for horse racing and the government-managed national Thai lottery, and organizing or playing poker, roulette, slots, and other games is also prohibited. The law has traditional roots as the nation values its tradition and culture from Buddhism. About 92% of the population adheres to Buddhism, a religion that considers gambling and casino games a wrongdoing. With that in mind, the clergy and part of the population oppose legalizing games of chance.
Tourism Decline and the Urge for Casino Legislation
In the past few years, Thailand has faced a significant decline in international tourist arrivals brought on by Covid restrictions. This resulted in tourism accounting for only 0.84% of GDP, a dramatically plunging number compared to previous decades of the flourishing tourism sector. It was not disputed that the global pandemic would slow down this industry worldwide, but Thailand is still struggling to reach pre-pandemic numbers.
Thailand’s gambling market is known for its long-standing legalization debate. Now, the tourism industry is encouraging the government to take measures to revive and expedite the legalization of land-based casinos as part of integrated resorts.
Casinos Near the State Borders
The city of Poipet in Cambodia has become a popular destination for Thai visitors, who can gamble using their national currency, the Thai Baht. This trend of cross-border casino tourism results in a notable loss of tax revenue for the national economy, as these activities occur outside the country’s borders.
The government is aware that people are finding ways to play online or in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore, which have opened casinos near the country’s border. Therefore, the National Assembly has proposed locations for integrated casino resorts that we can only hope for in the coming years.
Online Casinos in Thailand
Currently, both tourists and locals in Thailand are turning to online casinos for entertainment owing to the absence of specific regulations concerning digital gambling platforms. It is essential, however, to choose a reliable online casino operator that ensures both enjoyment and safety for its users. Let’s explore the factors that make a trustworthy online casino in Thailand.
License
Considering the state’s gambling laws, the government does not grant licenses to online casinos. But you can choose a reliable platform licensed by regulatory bodies such as the United Kingdom Gambling Authority, Malta Gaming Authority, and Curacao Gaming Authority. The license displayed on the website guarantees the casino complies with requirements for protecting players’ data and finances.
Game Variety
Among the leading reasons for online gambling in Thailand are easy access to online casinos and the large selection of games. The fact that 46% of respondents cite game variety as a crucial factor underscores the importance of providing a prolific portfolio of games.
The games library is a decisive factor punters consider when looking for an online casino, so casinos offering different types of games, from slots and bonus buy pokies to table classics and live dealer games, are more valued. Also, game libraries with thousands of titles ensure players are constantly entertained and their visits are more enjoyable.
Bonuses and Promotions
Online casinos offer various bonuses and promotions to attract new players and enhance the player experience for existing patrons. Before registering at any casino, it is best to review the offers, how much deposit you need to make, whether there are no deposit bonuses in the form of free spins or cash offers, and other types of promotions.
Always check if they have special packages for beginners and new registrants, and before you accept them, read their conditions. Approach too generous offers with caution as they usually entail high playthrough requirements that you’ll find in the fine print.
Payment Methods
In Thailand, players mostly use traditional payment methods, but other payment options are also available at legitimate casinos. Other factors distinguishing reputable operators are prompt withdrawals and the absence of fees, which you can find out by checking casino reviews.
- Credit and debit cards: Standard Visa and MasterCard credit cards are the most used payment method. They are available as an option in all online casinos in Thailand.
- E-wallets: Digital wallets like Skrill and Neteller are the easiest way to fund your gaming and withdraw winnings without additional transaction costs.
- Bank transfers: Although a safe and straightforward way to make transactions, bank transfers take the longest to complete. The process might take up to 7 working days, something worth considering while on holiday.
- Cryptocurrencies: Using cryptocurrencies grants players anonymity and unparalleled safety; however, this option is not yet available in all Thai offshore casinos.
Customer Support
Customer support rounds off the casino’s reputation. Customer service agents should be available anytime on the platform’s live chat to resolve a problem and answer players’ questions. They should also ensure they offer other communication channels like email, online form, or a phone number. As digital platforms apply top-notch technology and gaming software, errors only occur sometimes, but an authorized person needs to take over and resolve any issues you might have.
Final Words
Despite the rigorous laws, with online casinos on the rise worldwide, Thai locals and visitors have found a way to have fun and try their luck. In the future, we can expect more relaxed laws regarding casino games, which will improve the country’s gaming landscape.
Meanwhile, you can explore the world of offshore online casinos and add the thrill of your favorite games to your holiday experience. Join a legitimate platform, play sensibly, and enjoy casino games while experiencing everything Thailand has to offer.
