Online bingo in Thailand is currently illegal under the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935), which prohibits all forms of gambling except state-run horse racing and the official lottery (1). All forms of online gambling, including online bingo, are strictly forbidden unless specifically authorized by competent authorities (1). The Thai government is actively working to change this framework through proposed amendments that would introduce regulated online gambling, addressing the growth of illegal underground betting operations (2).
The proposed draft amendment to the Gambling Act defines "online gambling" as gambling via computer or electronic systems through the internet or remote communication, and stipulates that organizing unauthorized online gambling is punishable by imprisonment for 7 to 12 years (1). Participating in unauthorized online gambling carries penalties of 1 to 3 years imprisonment, while those managing electronic systems or advertising unauthorized online gambling face the maximum 7 to 12 year sentences (1). The draft amendment creates a framework that would authorize the competent authority to license and regulate online gambling operators, including online bingo platforms (1).
"The plan aims to replace the unregulated underground gambling market running rampant online. Authorities hope to bring online gambling into a legal framework with a transparent and secure system in which all participants and operators will adhere to strict guidelines."
Thailand's government expects the amendments to generate approximately $3 billion in annual tax revenue while protecting consumers and driving criminal operators out of the market (2). The legalization process requires approval from parliament after amendments to secondary laws are completed, with implementation expected to take several months (2). Until the amendments are officially enacted, Thai residents accessing online bingo through offshore platforms remain in legal violation, though such operations continue to thrive in the unregulated gray market (1).
Source:
https://www.tilleke.com/insights/thailand-seeks-comments-on-draft-amendment-to-permit-online-gambling/
https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/thai-government-set-to-legalize-online-gambling/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
