Contrary to Thai law, the gambling industry throughout the country is simply blossoming. According to various surveys, gambling participation keeps on growing, indicating that Thailand’s gambling regulatory framework does not properly address the situation. In 2019, a survey disclosed that more than half of the population is involved in some kind of gambling activity. In addition to that, it was estimated that the value of the gambling industry in Thailand reached $710 million.
The country’s strict approach towards this pastime results in the growing number of illegal casinos. We have already seen such scenarios in other countries and the result does not differ significantly – the players’ interests are unprotected and the country misses the chance to push its economy forward.
Many industry insiders state that the situation in Thailand should change and the country’s officials should adopt a more liberal approach towards the online gambling industry. In addition to that, a regulated gambling market is the best clampdown on illegal activities that only exhaust the country’s economy.
In-Depth Look at Thailand’s Gambling Laws
As we already explained above, Thailand has very strict laws regarding the gambling industry. The Gambling Act of 1935 is the country’s main law that regulates the industry. The Royal Decree is included in this act. Under it, all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited. To tighten up the situation, the country’s authorities passed two other pieces of legislation, and more precisely the Playing Cards Act of 1943 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1999.
Under the Playing Cards Act of 1943, Thai people are not allowed to possess more than 120 playing cards without being registered by the Excise Department. The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1999 stipulates that gambling and organizing gambling activities are considered to be “predicate offenses”. Individuals who violate the law and indulge in gambling activities will be slapped with a fine of at least 1,000 Baht and up to one year behind bars.
Online Gambling Regulations
It is interesting to mention that online gambling is not explicitly mentioned in any of the laws. However, the Computer Crime Act of 2007 might be related to online gambling. According to this law, it is prohibited to transmit illegal data over the Internet. We cannot be sure whether gambling falls in the category of “illegal data”.
Discussing the Thai laws, we need to mention the Film and Video Act of 2008, under which the Film and Video Censorship Committee is in charge of inspecting the content of game software developers. This law mostly affects video gaming and we will refrain from discussing it as it is not under the scope of our interest.
How the Thai Gambling Law Actually Works?
To sum up, it seems that all forms of offline and online gambling are banned throughout Thailand. However, the country allows only a government-operated lottery that is available only twice a month and wagering on horse races.
Since almost all forms of gambling are illegal throughout the country, the Thai police often conduct raids, and arresting gamblers is not something uncommon. In 2018, it was reported that the Thailand officials shut down a popular gambling site, and namely Slot555.com for targeting Thai players.
Needless to say, since online gambling is illegal in Thailand, there is no state-owned authority that can issue licenses to casino operators. However, Thai casino enthusiasts do not seem to be scared by the country’s extreme gambling laws and a good-enough number of online casinos are still accepting players from Thailand. Unfortunately, no online casino accepts Baht currency, so players need to convert their cash prior to making a deposit.
Even though the country is trying to avoid regulating the gambling industry like the plague, Thai officials need to amend the laws to adequately address the big gambling surge.
Popular Thai-Friendly Banking Solutions
It is safe to say that the payment service providers are the building blocks of online gambling as these are responsible for the money flow. What is more, the reputation of online casinos is determined by the performance of the available payment systems. Hence, gambling sites that are struggling to attract the players’ attention offer proven and prompt payment solutions.
Unfortunately, Thai players do not have a great choice when it comes to safe banking solutions as gambling is illegal throughout the country. However, online casinos that target the Thai audience offer several payment methods that are reliable and quick.
Bank Transfer
This type of payment solution is among the first ones to be employed by the web-based casinos. Even though it does not offer the most player-friendly conditions, it still remains a preferred payment solution. Therefore, it is a piece of cake to find a casino that offers this banking method. In addition to that, bank transfers are recognized to be among the safest payment systems offered to players.
The downsides of this payment solution are the high fees and the relatively slow payment processing times. Withdrawals might take up to 7 business days to be processed. On the bright side, we must say that it is extremely easy to top up your gaming account or pull out winnings via bank transfer.
ecoPayz
EcoPayz is a digital wallet that serves the interests of Thai players. More than a decade ago, this payment solution appeared on the online gambling scene to provide players with a secure way to transfer money to online casinos. In addition to that, this digital wallet offers instant deposits. As for withdrawals, players can receive their profits within up to 48 hours.
Another advantage associated with this payment solution is the low fee it offers. Unfortunately, not all online casinos allow digital wallet users to take advantage of the available casino bonuses.
Neteller
Amongst the range of payment solutions found at Thai-friendly casinos, Neteller is at the forefront. Similar to ecoPayz, Neteller is a reputable e-wallet that processes deposits and withdrawals in a timely manner. As a disadvantage, we can note that Neteller offers a bit too high fees that are ranging from 1% up to 5% depending on the amount you wish to deposit or withdraw. However, you can be sure that the money transactions are processed in a safe way as this payment solution employs a sophisticated SSL encryption system.
Cryptocurrencies
Digital currencies are extremely popular among online casino enthusiasts as these offer a great number of advantages as opposed to fiat currencies. When using cryptocurrencies as a preferred payment solution, you do not need to reveal your identity. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning that these are bank-free and do not belong to a particular country. Some interactive casinos even offer special bonuses to players who deposit via cryptocurrency.
It is important to explain that the different countries took a different approach regarding the regulation of digital currencies. When it comes to Thailand, there is no law stating that holding or trading cryptocurrencies is illegal.
Special Casino Promotions for Thai Players
Casino promotions are a vital lifeline to gambling websites that want to stay afloat on the market. For that reason, all casino operators offer different promotions designed to attract newcomers and to retain casino veterans. As a matter of fact, every web-based casino offers a unique bonus system.
When choosing an online casino, you should keep in mind that some promotions might seem to be more generous than others, but you should pay attention to the additional rules associated with them. There are various ways to claim a casino promotion, including the use of promo codes, manual activation from the player’s account, or requesting it via the live chat facility. In the lines below, we will discuss the different casino promotions and some key terms related to them.
Sign-Up Bonus
All web-based casinos offer its new registrants the opportunity to benefit from a Sign-up Bonus (also known as Welcome Bonus/Package) that is usually the most generous of all other available promotions at a certain casino. Typically, these bonuses are expressed in deposit match percentages.
In other words, if a casino offers a 100% match deposit and you make a deposit of $20, the operator will credit $20 more to your account. It is important to explain that the Welcome Bonus is applicable to the first deposit (or to the first several consecutive deposits) and casino aficionados are required to make a minimum deposit to qualify for it.
No Deposit Bonus
This promotion is usually available to newcomers or to loyal players. To qualify for it, casino aficionados do not need to make a deposit. This bonus is one of the most appealing casino deals you will come across as operators give you a free sum of money or some free spins to test the casino in a risk-free manner. It is important to explain that winnings associated with such freebies are cashable but you need to meet the bonus-related terms and conditions set by the particular casino.
Loyalty Bonus
To reward loyal players for continuing to use a certain gambling site, operators offer loyalty programs that are based on collecting comp points. Players should keep in mind that the games have different values in points. Such casino loyalty programs usually feature multiple tiers and the higher level you reach, the better benefits you enjoy.
Cashback Bonus
Such incentives are available to players who deposit at a specific casino regularly or to newcomers. In some cases, only players with a VIP status can benefit from this promotion. The terms associated with the cashback bonus vary significantly from casino to casino.
In a nutshell, the cashback promotion will pay you back a percentage of your losses you have endured over a certain period of time. To claim such an incentive, you should have wagered only real money. The cashback is given in the form of points that can be redeemed later or cash. Some casinos even offer wager-free cashback bonuses.
Free Spins
To make the Welcome Bonus even more attractive or to reward its casino patrons, some casino operators offer free spins. As their name suggests, players do not have to pay for the spins and these can be used on particular slots. The winnings you accumulate from the free spins are withdrawable only after meeting the wagering requirements associated with the particular bonus. In some cases, the casino might credit the free spins in several installments.
Important Bonus-Related Terms
1Overview
Prior to availing a casino bonus, it is of paramount importance to read the terms and conditions associated with it. Some casinos offer less attractive bonuses but with reasonable requirements, while others feature mouth-watering promotions which appear to be worthless due to ludicrously-high wagering requirements. If you are a rookie player, we would like to advise you to check the lines below where we will explain some of the most important notions related to casino bonuses.
2Wagering Requirements
Casino operators are not giving away money to their fans out of their goodwill. By granting various promotions, they aim at attracting newcomers or retain the already existing players. But as wise people say, there is no free lunch.
For that purpose, most (if not all) casino promotions are associated with the so-called wagering requirements (also referred to as rollover or playthrough). These present the number of times players should wager the bonus funds prior to requesting a withdrawal. The playthrough may also apply to the total sum of the deposit and the bonus.
3Bet size
Casinos usually cap the maximum bet players are allowed to place while a bonus is active. This restriction aims at preventing operators from bonus abusers. Casino aficionados should stick to the maximum bet size rule, otherwise they will have to bid farewell to their winnings.
4Game Contribution/Game Weighting
The bets you make while you are playing with an active bonus contribute to clearing the wagering requirements. However, the contribution percentage varies between the games. Usually, casinos weight stakes on slots at 100%.
5Maximum Cashout Limit
Some interactive casinos adopted the so-called maximum cashout limits that cap the amount of money players can withdraw from their winnings associated with a bonus. It is important to explain that maximum cashout limits and maximum withdrawal limits do not have the same meaning. The latter is used to designate the maximum amount of money players can withdraw per transaction within a specified period.
Reputable Software Providers
If you have some experience at different online casinos, you have probably noticed that their gaming portfolios sometimes feature the same titles. The reason for this is the software providers that power the virtual casinos. Many players underestimate the importance of the casino content developers that supply a certain gambling site with games.
However, software companies should not be underestimated as they are at the core of any successful virtual casino. Tech-savvy casino enthusiasts know that there is a huge number of casino software suppliers, but not all of them offer gaming products of the same rank. In the lines below, we would like to cast a glance at the top software providers that power some Thai-friendly interactive casinos:
Microgaming
Microgaming is an industry leader dedicated to providing first-class slots. The company was founded in 1994 and currently, it enjoys a massive reputation. This brand is often associated with the progressive jackpot slot Mega Moolah that paid out some of the largest jackpots in the industry.
Microgaming is fully regulated by two of the most reputable regulators, and namely the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Its gaming products are created with special attention to every detail to ensure a fantastic gaming experience to all casino enthusiasts.
NetEnt
NetEnt is a well-established software company that grabbed a pole position on the online gambling market. The company’s product roster is comprised of different genres – from slots to live dealer games that are of premier quality. In addition to its fantastic gaming portfolio, the casino content developer holds licenses from several regulatory bodies, including the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gambling Commission of the UK. The fairness of NetEnt’s games is approved by the reputable testing agency eCOGRA. This casino software provider was unveiled as far back as 1996.
Evolution Gaming
In case you enthuse over live dealer games, you certainly know this brand. Evolution Gaming is undoubtedly the leader when it comes to games hosted by real croupiers. The software developer appeared on the online gambling scene in 2006 and it quickly gained traction thanks to its high-quality and exciting live dealer line-up.
It is interesting to mention that the company does not rest on its laurels but it keeps on pushing the industry’s boundaries forward. Evolution operates on a huge number of international markets due to its licenses awarded by the regulatory bodies of various countries, including Malta and the United Kingdom.
Play’n GO
Founded in 2005, this software company took the online gambling world by storm thanks to its gaming products that come with crisp graphics and exciting features. The casino content developer is specialized in creating slots and table games. What makes this company so special is the combination of quality and quantity of the gaming products it offers. The software developer received the stamp of approval by the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Yggdrasil
This software company has provided a huge number of successful virtual casinos with outstanding slots. Its games are designed in a mobile-friendly way to reach an even broader customer base. It seems that the company will lead the pack in the coming years as its products feature cinematic quality of the graphics and interesting animations. In recent years, the company started expanding its gaming portfolio with lottery, bingo, and table games. Yggdrasil was unveiled in 2013 and it operates under a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Top 10 Online Casinos in Thailand
The online gambling industry is growing at an exponential rate. Every day new virtual casinos appear on the horizon. Unfortunately, not all gambling sites are reputable and trustworthy. Hence, choosing a safe virtual casino is not an easy task as players need to keep their eyes peeled for rigged casinos. To make the right choice, casino aficionados are advised to first check whether the particular online casino accepts players from their jurisdiction and if it is licensed or not. It is also recommendable to check what others say about the particular casino.
However, there are other things that should be taken into account when selecting a gambling site. Some of them include bonuses, mobile compatibility, payment solutions, language availability, and others. We thoroughly checked online casinos that accept players from Thailand to make a list of the most reputable sites that offer value for money.
Golden Tiger Casino
Established in 2000, Golden Tiger Casino is a reputable online casino that accepts players from Thailand. It operates under licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. Based on that information, we can assure our readers that the casino is safe and trustworthy.
Over the years of experience, the web-based casino managed to attract the attention of players from various jurisdictions thanks to its slick platform and attractive promotions. As a casino that targets players from different markets, its platform is available in multiple languages.
Golden Tiger Casino offers high-quality games powered by the leading software company Microgaming. Android and iOS users can reach the site of this virtual casino thanks to its in-browser app that works like a charm. In case you would like to start playing for real money at Golden Tiger, you can top up your account via several trustworthy payment solutions. Provided that you have questions or you need a piece of advice, the customer support department is available around-the-clock.
PlayOjO Casino
Even though PlayOjO is a relatively new entrant to the online gambling market, we must admit that its gaming portfolio is certainly worth the attention. The casino operator partners with a huge number of top software providers such as Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Wazdan, Microgaming, NetEnt, and others to ensure great diversity in terms of gaming options. Reel spinners will certainly enjoy the rich selection of slot games.
Casino enthusiasts who prefer to play via their portable devices can reach the casino’s gaming content thanks to its instant-play format. There is also a dedicated app that caters to iOS users. Both desktop and mobile players can take advantage of the casino’s generous Welcome Bonus assuming that they set up an account at PlayOjO and make a qualifying deposit via one of the several payment options. This virtual casino is recognized as a safe online gambling stop thanks to its license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.
SlotsMagic Casino
SlotsMagic Casino is a dazzling gambling site that was founded in 2014 by SkillOnNet. This virtual casino collaborates with a plethora of software providers that are dedicated to providing an unforgettable gambling experience. Players will come across titles created by Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution, Play’n GO, and others.
SlotsMagic Casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. In addition to that, players can make hassle-free deposits and withdrawals thanks to the broad range of payment methods this casino offers. International casino devotees who are not fluent in English should not be worried to join SlotsMagic as it supports several languages.
The various payment methods allow players to make quick and safe deposits and withdrawals. What is more, this web-based casino accepts payments in many different currencies. SlotsMagic Casino provides a solid offering by boasting over 700 games that are compatible with modern handheld devices running on Android or iOS. The customer support team is always ready to assist players via live chat as well as email.
SlotV Casino
If you are looking for a reputable online casino that provides a diverse gambling portfolio, look no further as SlotV Casino might be the right choice for you. The site is licensed by the Maltese regulator and it has been operating since 2017. This relatively new virtual casino joined forces with software companies such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution, Yggdrasil, and others to ensure an exciting gaming environment.
The casino’s strongest point is the generous bonuses that will boost your winning chances. What is more, SlotV Casino uses proven and trusted payment solutions. This means that you should leave aside any prejudices and embark on a fun-filled gaming adventure. Mobile players are also welcome to this online casino as its platform is accessible through iOS and Android devices.
Casino enthusiasts can rely on the highly-responsive customer support department that is on a stand-by regime to tackle any problems you might encounter. This virtual casino comes with yet another advantage, and more precisely multilingual customer care.
Unique Casino
Unique Casino was presented to the online gambling world in 2016 and it abides by the rules set by the Government of Curacao. The online casino offers an uncluttered website that can be accessed through various portable devices based on Android or iOS. Newcomers are treated with top-shelf gaming products that are developed by leading software companies, including Microgaming, Play’n GO, iSoftBet, Betsoft, etc.
As for the available promotions, the casino operator certainly knows how to pique the players’ interest and retain its loyal customers. Once you set up an account at Unique Casino, you can start playing for real money after you make a deposit. To do so, the virtual casino offers several reliable payment solutions. Unfortunately, the withdrawal options are limited, but you can still pull out your winnings in a timely fashion.
International players should be informed that this virtual casino is available in several languages, so you will certainly feel at home even if you are a non-English speaker. Assuming that you need a consultation, you can get in touch with the professional customer support team via the live chat facility, by sending an email, or over the phone.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino is a preferred online gambling spot for players who would like to use cryptocurrencies for their gambling adventures. The interactive casino was founded in 2014 and it received a stamp of approval by the Government of Curacao. With over 1,300 titles under its belt, this interactive casino is making a case for being one of the hottest gambling sites serving the needs of international players.
The casino’s product roster is courtesy of well-established software companies, and more precisely NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, and others. The games that are included in the casino’s portfolio are of top quality even if you decide to play via your smartphone or tablet.
BitStarz offers mouth-watering promotions that will extend your bankroll. Casino enthusiasts are provided with the opportunity to top up their gaming accounts or withdraw funds via trustworthy payment solutions. What is more, players can execute payments in various currencies. Thai players will certainly enjoy their stay at BitStarz as the casino has the games, security, and promotions to make it a success.
Yako Casino
Packed with hundreds of high-quality games, Yako Casino is a favorite gambling spot for many players around the globe. To ensure a diverse gaming library, this interactive casino partners with several software suppliers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, etc. Being dedicated to providing a safe and player-friendly gaming environment, Yako Casino holds licenses issued by the gambling authorities based in Malta, Sweden, and the UK.
If you are eyeing the opportunity to play at this virtual casino, you should know that there are some tasty bonuses up for grabs. What is more, the games perfectly adjust to any screen size, so you can play even via your tablet or smartphone. The banking solutions are various, so are the available currencies.
The customer support department is always ready to assist you, so feel free to contact the professional casino representatives anytime you have some questions. All in all, even the most game-weary players will find games that will appeal to their interest at Yako Casino.
888 Casino
If you are an aspiring casino enthusiast, the brand 888 most probably does ring a bell to you. This gambling site was launched in 1997 and since its inception, the casino operator has always been dedicated to providing an excellent gambling experience. Its gaming catalog is comprised of hundreds of titles that are provided by first-class software developers such as NetEnt, Playtech, Yggdrasil, etc.
888 Casino is operating under licenses issued by the gambling authorities in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, and New Jersey. This interactive casino caters to players from many different international markets. To make its fans feel at home, the online casino is available in several languages. As far as promotions are concerned, you will certainly be fascinated by the operator’s generosity.
The interactive casino adopted a plethora of payment solutions, so players can select the one they are most comfortable with. If you love playing high-quality casino games even on the go, 888 Casino is the perfect choice for you. Thanks to its slick interface, mobile players will easily navigate through the casino’s various sections.
Betway Casino
Betway Casino is a fully-fledged online casino and sportsbook that offers an abundant gaming catalog comprised of titles developed by the leading software company Microgaming. In case you wish to stay up to date with Microgaming’s latest releases, Betway Casino is the right choice for you. This online casino has been in the business for more than 10 years and is an expert when it comes to pleasing the needs of different types of players.
Apart from this, players can enjoy Betway’s casino games on both desktop and mobile. The UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority are the licensing bodies for Betway Casino. The casino operator also offers an outstanding customer care department along with tasty bonuses.
If you are concerned that Betway Casino is not a brand new gambling site and its interface is outdated, you can put these worries to rest. Making deposits and withdrawals at Betway Casino is easy as there is a good-enough number of accepted banking methods.
Luxury Casino
Launched in 2011, Luxury Casino has stood the test of time to cement its massive reputation on the online gambling scene. What makes this casino special is the fact that it features Microgaming software, which is considered to be one of the most reputable providers on the market. Luxury Casino is constantly updated to provide its fans with the latest releases. What is more, the casino is compatible with various Android and iOS-based portable devices.
Even though slots reign the majority of the games, Luxury Casino also offers a nice range of table games and video poker. To make things even more enticing, the casino operator throws some nice promotions on your way. Being a top casino, this gambling site offers a wide variety of banking methods.
Luxury Casino is an international online gambling destination and it is not surprising that it supports various currencies. When it comes to its licenses, this interactive casino received the stamp of approval from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
Ask a Question. Get an Answer.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
Will I be able to redeem a casino bonus if I use cryptocurrencies for my casino deposits and withdrawals?
Since online casinos welcoming Thai players are well aware of the limited payment options Thai casino fans can use, most gaming websites support payments via cryptocurrencies. What is more, as virtual casinos tend to offer different promotions, they usually allow players to redeem different offers while making deposits via crypto methods. That is why, if Thai players decided to handle their casino accounts via cryptocurrencies, in most cases, they will have no issues redeeming casino promotions. That said, players should always check the terms and conditions of offers before they go ahead and try to claim a casino promotion. In some cases, certain payment solutions do not count toward promotional offers. It is also possible that online casinos may exclude players from certain countries from their promotional incentives.
Is there any hope for a change in the legal framework in Thailand, which may lead to the regulation of some forms of gambling any time soon?
At the time of writing this answer, we can only speculate whether Thailand will soon introduce some serious changes in its gambling laws. In January 2023, the House Committee on the legalization of casinos in Thailand submitted a full report on gambling to the House of Representatives. In the report, the committee proposed an IR project, with five land-based casinos open doors in major cities across Thailand, with casino entertainment being legalized for both tourists and locals.
In the report, five forms of legal online gambling were also proposed, with these forms including online casinos, spread betting, sports gambling, betting on events like on-election results, Esports wagering, bingo, and foreign lottery betting. These suggestions are yet to be considered and passed as laws in Thailand but many remain hopeful that soon there might be a major change in the gambling sector in the country.
Are Thai people actually facing any penalties if they get caught participating in illegal online gambling activities?
Yes. According to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1999, individuals who are violating the law by participating in illegal online gambling activities may face a fine of 1,000 Baht and may serve a sentence in prison of up to 1 year. In 2022, a total of 461 people in Thailand were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal online gambling activities. That year, the Thai authorities blocked 6,024 illegal websites, the majority of which were promoting illegal online gambling to Thai players. A total of 1,830 illegal gambling websites were also blocked by Thai authorities in 2022. As you can see, the Thai government is taking its duty to prevent any form of illegal land-based or online gambling on the territory of the Asian country seriously. That is why Thai individuals caught participating in online gambling activities may face serious financial penalties or they may even spend some time behind bars.