Best Online Casinos - Thailand

GAMBLING LAWS IN THAILAND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Gambling in Thailand has long been a controversial and heavily restricted activity. The Gambling Act of 1935 prohibits almost all forms of gambling, except for horse race betting and the state-run lottery. Despite these restrictions, illegal gambling and offshore online casinos thrive, showing that Thai players have a strong demand for games of chance.

This article explores the legality of online gambling in Thailand, the current market potential, player preferences, and the best ways for Thai players to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience. If you're a player based in Thailand, this guide will help you understand what’s legal, and what’s not, and how to find secure gaming options.

Is gambling legal in Thailand?

Curious about the history of Thailand’s gambling industry, we took a walk down the history lane and discovered that prior to there being the strict Gambling Act of 1935, certain forms of gambling were legally permitted, and the country had licensed casinos. 

As recently as in the late 19th and early 20th century, the government regulated a few brick-and-mortar casinos. However, this activity was gradually driven to a halt once widespread gambling addictions and social issues caused by participating in betting and games of chance started to dominate. By 1917, most gambling dens were closed, except for a few regulated ones in Bangkok.

From 1935 till 2024, the only forms of wagering legally allowed in the country were lotteries and horse race betting at licensed racetracks. 

The Government Lottery Office (GLO) manages Thailand’s official national lottery. Under legal regulations, 60% of the total revenueis distributed as prize money to winners. The government retains at least 28%, directing these funds toward public services, such as supporting the Thai Red Cross, financing community projects, and providing educational scholarships. The remaining 12% is allocated for administrative and operational costs to keep the lottery system running efficiently.

Lottery winners in Thailand are subject to withholding tax on their winnings. For standard lottery prizes, the tax rate is 0.5%, while winnings from special charity lotteries incur a 1% tax.

As for horse racing, bettors who won should pay 5% of their revenue towards tax. Funds generated from horse racing betting are allocated to various sectors, including contributions to the state treasury and support for equestrian sports development. 

In 2024, the government returned to discussions about introducing legal casino gaming for the first time in decades. These talks then translated into a draft of the bill and if it passes the general vote, Thailand might reopen casinos for the first time in more than 50 years. The legal gambling age is 20 years old and it remains as such in the newest draft of the proposed casino legalization bill.

Is online gambling legal in Thailand?

Despite being in huge demand among the locals, online casinos remain unlawful and are banned under the Gambling Act of 1935. Not only that but the government leaves it up to their decision to pursue legal actions against individuals caught gambling online.

All of these restrictions leave players vulnerable. There is quite a risk of choosing a rogue casino — given the abundance of all sorts of sites, it’s not uncommon. On top of that, if they fall victim to unethical businesses, players not only can not seek justice by going to court but they can be punished for pursuing gaming in the first place. 

Judging by the size of the market and the demand within the Thai gambling community, neither strict laws nor the risk of stumbling across a rogue platform are reasons enough to stop wagering. The only advice here would then be to sift carefully through 100s of online operators, choosing only those that have proper licenses from acknowledged regulatory bodies, certified games, and good reviews online.

Our database has many such sites that are both internationally friendly and suitable for Thai players. The majority of these sites have licenses from the jurisdiction of Curacao or PAGCOR in the Philippines. Other permits can be quoted, too.

The great thing about these international lobbies is that they can offer players from Thailand a full spectrum of services. These include great slots and live games, welcome and ongoing bonuses, safe deposits and timely withdrawals, and access to all the newest games.

BANKING IN THAILAND-FRIENDLY CASINOS

Players seeking to place wagers in international lobbies usually look for sites that can meet their banking needs. An easy way to deposit and withdraw money is a cornerstone of any decent place to bet and win. Luckily for the Thai community, the Thai baht is not a rarely featured currency among international casino cashiers. In our database, you are welcome to sort online operators by currency alone, and the system will suggest to you 10s of great sites accepting TBH to choose from.

Alternatively, lots of sites allow to place wagers and even claim bonuses in cryptocurrencies. These include tokens like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as stablecoins like USDT. Thousands of gamblers around the world prefer this method. They have recognized the convenience of crypto and have integrated it into their gaming routines. If you are contemplating switching from fiat cash, we have a great crypto guide for newbies that should help you get started.

Secure payment methods are another major concern when choosing a good place to bet and win. A significant portion of the Thai population prefers bank transfers for e-commerce transactions. Luckily, 99% of the featured sites that our database has will provide bank transfer services. Digital wallets are also on the rise in Thailand, offering convenient payment options for both online and offline purchases. While the majority of online lobbies won’t be able to offer TrueMoney or Rabbit Line Pay, alternatives will be available. 

Finally, the community is welcome to make full use of cards. The lion’s share of reviewed sites in our database work with brands like MasterCard or Visa that are also available in Thailand. 

When choosing your next place to play, pay attention not only to the featured currencies and payment methods but also to the cashout speed and limits. If you are a high-roller, look for platforms that have high monthly cashout limits. If you like your wins delivered to you quickly, pick sites that have a fast turnaround time for payouts or support crypto.

POPULAR ONLINE GAMES IN THAILAND

Historically, gambling has been deeply embedded in Thai society, serving various social, economic, and cultural functions. Traditional games of chance were not only forms of entertainment but also played significant roles in community bonding and state revenue generation.

Makruk, a strategic board game similar to chess, was widely played across Thailand. While primarily a game of skill, informal betting often accompanied matches, making it a popular pastime that combined entertainment with wagering. Cockfighting is a longstanding tradition where roosters are pitted against each other in a ring. Spectators place bets on the outcomes, and the events serve as significant social gatherings, fostering community ties.

The preferences of modern players do mirror a lot of traditions. Betting is still among favorite activities, and live dealer games are much appreciated. 

The Thai do like a good slot. Reeled adventures are rapidly gaining momentum, with 44% of gamblers participating in reel spinning, as some surveys report. The community is especially fond of reeled adventures with interactive features and engaging storylines.

Live dealer games are also gaining traction. These games, such as live blackjack and roulette, offer an immersive experience by streaming real-time gameplay with professional dealers, replicating the ambiance of physical casinos. Players from Thailand appreciate live roulette and blackjack in particular but game shows are also among the content that is regularly played.