Local media reports indicate that Thailand’s gaming scene is on the outlook as a bill to legalize casino gaming is planned for deliberation by the House of Representatives on March 28th.

According to insights shared by The Nation and attributed to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the latest iteration of the bill, following a secondary study conducted by a House committee this month, encompasses 10 chapters and 68 articles. Should the House greenlight the bill, Amornvivat explains, it will promptly advance to the Cabinet for consideration. “The final decision will rest with the Cabinet,” Amornvivat remarked.

As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, earlier assessments by Amornvivat highlighted the extensive nature of the study conducted by the 60-member committee. Recommendations embedded in the bill include a condition that any forthcoming integrated casino resort development should not be in close proximity to Bangkok.

It follows the appointment of the Pheu Thai Party’s Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister, under a new alliance government in August, leading to the establishment of the aforementioned committee. This committee differs from its predecessor formed under the previous administration, which proposed the establishment of integrated resorts with casinos across multiple locations in Thailand.

The prior report advocated for the legalization of casinos within expansive entertainment complexes in up to five locations nationwide, pinpointing Bangkok and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), encompassing areas like Pattaya and Rayong, as prime candidates.

Moreover, the report suggested that casino zones should occupy not more than 5% of the total integrated resort floor space, with the rest allocated for diverse attractions including luxury hotels, shopping centers, spas, amusement parks, zoos, and sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor.