Thai Government Fights Illegal Online Gambling

According to The Nation Thailand, the country’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has closed over 2,800 online gambling platforms. This was done within the campaign to fight the harmful effects of online gambling on people.

The Minister of Digital Economy said that 2,819 websites suspected of operating internet gambling businesses had been shut between September 2021 and August 2022. The ministry is the major unit collecting evidence on illegal activities conducted within websites. It further submits evidence to the court to shut down the violated websites. Besides, the ministry works with the police, providing information that leads to the prosecution persons behind gambling platforms.

According to the Minister of Digital Economy, online gambling negatively affects the public, especially young children. Besides, it can lead to or worsen anxiety and depression. Furthermore, gambling addiction may lead to severe financial troubles.

And while such a campaign exists to prevent illegal gambling activities, Thailand is looking for optimal ways for its gambling industry. One of the possible ways is to introduce casino resorts in the country, which some lawmakers hope could significantly increase the national gross domestic product. This idea has been welcomed by such international leaders as MGM Resorts.

For Thailand to get closer to launching an expansive land-based gambling sector, the country has to work in different directions. One of the critical points is that the country should access its opportunities to compete with its regional hubs, including Macau, South Korea, and soon, Japan and Vietnam.