In yet another sign of how Covid-19 may fundamentally change the gambling landscape in Asia, Thai media is reporting that the government is open to studying whether to legalise gambling.

TL

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has said he’s willing to look at the pros and cons, even though he is personally opposed to the idea.

Thailand has in the past flirted with the idea of legalising gambling, but draft bills have been bogged down in parliament, or dropped out of sight with changes in government. As a result gambling is strictly forbidden apart from on the state lottery and on horses through the Bangkok Turf Club.

Apparently, an outbreak of Covid-19 linked to illegal gambling dens, coupled with widespread illegal gambling in the country has sparked a change of heart.

Gen Prayut, in his capacity as chairman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, on Friday said it was time to begin discussing the possibility of legalising gambling in Thailand, the Bangkok Post cited CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin as saying.

Source: Asia Gaming Brief