Thailand Gambling Laws in 2024
Since the military coup in Thailand in 2014, there has been a clamp down on gambling - particularly illegal forms of gaming and betting. There has been a concerted move by the new powers to "clean up" Thai society, and there is no doubt that illegal gambling is firmly in the crosshairs. The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1999 has also aided in paving the way for a suppression of corruption and other illegal activities, including gambling.
A 2016 raid on a Pattaya bridge club popular with tourists, made world headlines. Over 30 foreign individuals, mostly from Australia and the UK, were arrested for violating an archaic 1930s law against "gambling" on card games. And while the players were ultimately released, episodes like this aren't unheard of in Thailand.
Even though Thailand has some catching up to do in terms of legal gambling, you can still join an online casino from Thailand peace of mind. With no laws specifically outlawing online casino play, residents can participate in online gaming at our top casinos for players in Thailand.
Much of Asia is opening up to the idea of legalised gambling. Casinos in the Philippines, Laos, and Vietnam are appearing for the first time. It’s possible the country could loosen restrictions on gambling in the future. But for now, there is still a number of available casinos online for Thailand players.
What Deposit Methods Can You Use at a Thailand Online Casino?
For Thailand’s online casino enthusiasts, it's possible to place bets at regulated overseas casinos online. In many cases, Thais can deposit using THB, making it quick and easy to play at an online casino. While sites vary, it's not unusual to see minimum deposit limits of 250 baht. The range of deposit options can be limited, but all banking methods are secure. Sadly, even some of the best online casinos in Thailand don’t accept baht, but don’t worry. There are payment services that allow you to convert to an accepted currency with very small fees.
Visa
Leading credit card supplier Visa is one of the most widely accepted deposit options for gambling online. Safe and secure payments can be made from as little as 250 baht, but some online casinos in Thailand accept transfers up to 100,000 baht. Watch out for cash advance fees when using Visa in an online casino.
If you’re not comfortable using your bank cards online, here are a few other options which can come in useful;
Skrill
Skrill is an e-wallet service that includes baht as an available currency, making it an ideal option for online gambling in Thailand. Once you sign up, you can easily fund your account at a Thai casino site.
PayPal
If you’re looking to deposit at a Thai casino site using PayPal, you’re in luck. An online casino in Thailand with Paypal as a payment option is a common find among hopeful Thai gamblers looking to place a real money bet. Just keep in mind that you will likely have to convert from baht to dollars (or another accepted currency) to use Paypal at online casinos in Thailand, but this is actually a good thing, as it will make your deposits fast and simple.
EntroPay
EntroPay is a fast-prepaid card that allows users of Thai gambling sites to fund their accounts without using a bank card. EntroPay accounts can be set up in baht and real cash transferred directly into a casino account. However, funds may have to be converted into GBP or USD before play.
AstroPay
AstroPay is another respected prepaid card that facilitates online gambling payments. It works like a virtual prepaid card that can be loaded up via an ATM or Thai debit and credit cards. To move real cash to a casino or betting site in Thailand, just log in and supply the AstroPay card number, expiry date and four-digit security code. One benefit of AstroPay is the low minimum deposit of around 250 baht.
Casino Games Online at Thailand Casinos
Of course, players around the world look for a wide variety of games at online casinos. Thailand is no exception. When you play at an online casino in Thailand, look out for a large library of games that are popular with players in the country.
Slots
Thailand’s online casinos will feature plenty of slot games from some of the world’s biggest suppliers. You’re likely to see titles from popular developers, such as:
- NetEnt
- MicroGaming
- PlayTech
- Yggdrasil
- Scientific Games
Slot games come with countless themes and bonuses. They are so varied that you’re sure to find one to fit your tastes at one of our recommended online casinos for Thailand players.
Table Games
If cards and chips are more your style, then you’re in luck. When you gamble online in Thailand, you’ll find tons of table games, especially at our top casino sites. Blackjack, roulette, hold ‘em, Three Card Poker, and Baccarat are all fairly common. You may also find dice games like craps or sic bo, too.
Play Safely at Thailand Online Casinos
Safety and security should always be a priority when gambling at Thailand casinos online, especially since gambling laws are particularly prohibitive.
We carefully research and vet all of our online casino recommendations, so you can feel secure while you enjoy casino games in Thailand.
There are also a few things you can do to be certain your preferred site is safe. First, search the site for licensing and legal information. This will tell you where the site is based and what agency granted it a license to offer online casino games. If you can’t find this information readily available, it can be a sign you’re not on the safest of casino sites.
Also check for various deposit methods. Legitimate websites typically give you plenty of options to add funds to your online casino account. If you find an online gambling site in Thailand with limited deposit options, such as wire transfer and bank transfer only, it’s likely a risky site to use. Online casinos that offer credit/debit, online payment services, wire transfer, and other methods tend to be safer than those with limited options.
Lotteries & Horse Racing
While Thailand bans operating land-based or online casinos, there is some gambling permitted by the government. One popular option that is offered is horse racing. The Royal Turf Club and Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) in Bangkok both regularly host races, and some pari-mutuel betting is allowed here. Many citizens in the city come out to the occasional public race days. There are also more intimate gatherings for members of high society, who enjoy racing through private clubs.
Perhaps the most popular legal way to gamble in the country is the National Lottery. First held in 1974, the lottery continues to be drawn on the first and 16th day of each month to this very day. The lottery has some rather interesting aspects to it, not the least of which is that ticket prices vary depending on where you buy them: while all vendors charge some level of mark-up over the face value, exactly how much you pay depends on where you buy them. You might even get a discount on numbers that aren’t considered particularly lucky. Many locals spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to find lucky numbers to play in each drawing. Despite the Lottery’s popularity, there is no option to buy tickets online. Lottery players in Thailand must instead stick to retailers who sell tickets.
Outside of these offerings, however, all other forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand. There are no Thailand casinos, online or otherwise, even as many of the other nations in the area have opened up facilities that are at least available to foreigners. In fact, many Thai gamblers take advantage of this, playing in venues in countries including Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Not surprisingly, this situation also leads to plenty of illegal gambling in the country. Underground lotteries are quite common: while these contests can’t offer the big jackpots of the official game, they do promise players better odds overall. Illegal sports betting and small “casinos” are common throughout the nation as well. Gambling raids by police are common, but they do little to stop the overall culture of lawless wagering. Even though these clandestine physical gambling operations exist, online gambling in Thailand is the safer option. Casino sites that accept Thai players are licensed, and it’s very difficult for law enforcement to crack down on online gambling. Their focus remains on illegal land-based gaming houses.
Sports Betting & Poker
Though technically illegal, sports betting is rife in Thailand. Gambling on the national sport, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is rampant and done seemingly under the noses of the authorities.
While card games are frowned upon in live settings, online poker sites still accept Thai nationals. After Black Friday, when the online game was effectively shut down in the US, many pros migrated to Thailand in search of fast internet connections and a cheaper way of life. Since the military coup, however, many foreign online poker players have looked elsewhere to set up roots in other countries.
Live Betting and Casinos
There are no land-based casinos in Thailand. But that doesn't mean there aren't possibilities in the region. Both Cambodia and Vietnam have started to relax their casino laws. This has led to some serious new developments appearing in both countries.
Poipet, on the Cambodia/Thailand border, has several decent resorts including the Diamond City Hotel & Casino, Crown Casino, and Star Vegas Casino. As a main gambling hub, Poipet is extremely popular with Thai visitors denied land-based action back home. Indeed, casino gambling in Cambodia is forbidden for Cambodians but totally legal for foreign nationals. Thai gamblers are therefore actively encouraged to visit the casinos. Should Thailand relax its laws and allow properties to open up, it’s possible we could see a casino pop up in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or another populous cities within the country
Also bordering Thailand, Laos has several casinos at or near the Thai border. Kings Roman casino is the nearest resort to Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. It's open 24 hours and is also popular with Chinese tourists bringing in much-needed currency from across the northern Laos/China border.
Find the Best Online Casinos in Thailand in 2024
Not all internet gambling sites accept Thai players. But when it comes to online casinos, Thailand gamblers can rely on our recommended online casinos. We have a top selection of online casinos that Thais can access for real cash.
The Thai government has shown gradually increasing interest in land-based casinos in recent years. This could result in a renewed burst of legal gambling activity in Thailand. Legal land-based casinos in Thailand may change the country’s historically negative outlook on internet gaming. Until that happens, all you have to do is look at online casinos in other countries to find a gambling site that accepts Thailand players.
Thailand at a Glance
Population: 69 million
Legal Age of Gambling: 18
Land-based Casinos (Y/N): N
Online Casinos Legal (Y/N): N
Popular Games: Sports betting, horse racing, lottery
Brief History of Thai Casinos & Gambling
17th-18th Century - First gambling houses are established.
1820s - First formal lottery is introduced in Thailand.
1930 - First gambling act is passed. Legalised gambling is permitted in a limited number of provinces. After an outcry from the public, casino presence in the country is short-lived.
1935 - A law is introduced to curb gambling with cards. It becomes an offence to own more than 120 packs of cards.
1939 - The first Lottery Bureau is set up. It allows a monthly draw to take place.
1974 - National Lottery is set up. First draw is held legally in the country.
1989 - The Lottery rules are relaxed to allow a second draw per month.
2011 - First poker pros begin to migrate to Thailand following “Black Friday.”
2014 - Military coup sees new leadership begin to crack down on "illegal" betting.
2016 - Bridge club in Pattaya is raided by police over local citizens' allegations of "illegal" card games. 32 expats, some as old as 84, are arrested, although later released.
2018 – Thai police make 6,500+ arrests in relation to illegal World Cup gambling, confiscating more than $28 million in cash.
