Operator pushes for balance between gaming revenues and public acceptance in upcoming legislation
Galaxy Resorts Thailand has put forward a detailed proposal to limit casino gaming areas to just 5% of the total floor space in the country’s upcoming Entertainment Complex plans. The move, according to Chief Brand Officer Kevin Clayton, is aimed at easing public concerns, while still leveraging the strong revenue potential of regulated gambling to support a diversified tourism and entertainment ecosystem.
Gaming as a Catalyst for Broader Development
Despite the relatively small footprint of the proposed casino space, Clayton noted that up to 80% of the complex’s revenue could stem from gaming operations. This revenue, he explained, would effectively subsidise and sustain non-gaming amenities such as hotels, retail spaces, restaurants, performance venues, and family-oriented attractions, which would make up the remaining 95% of the development.
The suggestion aligns with models seen in integrated resort hubs like Singapore and Macau, where tightly regulated casino operations coexist with major retail, hospitality, and event infrastructure to create economic growth engines and international tourist destinations.
Responsible Gambling at the Core
Addressing public apprehension surrounding gambling liberalisation, Clayton emphasized Galaxy’s commitment to responsible gambling measures. The operator proposes stringent entry restrictions—including bans for individuals receiving state assistance or in debt—alongside employee training, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with counselling and support organisations.
He argued that much of the resistance stems from “miscommunication and speculation,” suggesting that clearer government communication and robust regulatory design could bring public sentiment in line with the broader economic vision.
A Legal Framework to Tap a $33 Billion Market
Thailand currently lacks legal casino infrastructure, yet an estimated US$33 billion informal gambling market flourishes with no tax contributions or job creation. The Thai Government, exploring legalisation as part of a broader Entertainment Complex Bill, sees this as an opportunity to formalise the industry, attract foreign direct investment, and raise tourism’s GDP contribution from 20% to 30%.
Projected tourist arrivals are set to climb from 40 million to 50 million in the coming years, driven by the appeal of large-scale entertainment destinations.
Investment Potential Hinges on Regulatory Balance
While supportive of strong oversight, Clayton issued a caution: “Excessive regulation could stifle investment,” warning that overly restrictive frameworks might deter international developers and reduce the potential economic uplift.
Galaxy Resorts, part of the Galaxy Entertainment Group with extensive operations in Macau, claims to operate under international anti-money laundering (AML) and financial transparency standards, and expressed readiness to collaborate with Thai regulators to build safeguards into the new ecosystem.
As Thailand edges closer to legalising casino gambling, proposals like Galaxy’s signal a willingness among international operators to align with national goals—balancing revenue generation with social responsibility in a model tailored for sustainable tourism growth.
