Online Gambling Law in Thailand
In Thailand, almost all types of gambling are prohibited. Although online gambling is not directly mentioned in the law, it is included in the gambling category as a whole.
However, gambling is a significant industry in Thailand. Numerous studies have shown that around 60% of Thais partake in gambling, sports betting, or poker. A study found that just on the World Cup in Thailand, wagers totaled close to 43 billion. This corresponds to a total wagering amount for just one event of $1.3 billion.
What Are the Risks?
Since the start of the World Cup, police have arrested 10,644 gamblers, including about 9,000 who bet on football matches.
Anyone found engaging in illicit gambling in Thailand faces a $1,000 fine and a year in prison. Individual bettors are rarely charged with gambling, but it does happen occasionally.
The internet is the most secure option to take if you’re determined to gamble in Thailand, like HappyLuke Online Slot. Police don’t randomly plow through doors in search of those making online bets. You should be fine if you avoid attention, maintain a low profile, and bet in private at home.
500 online gambling websites targeted
Last month the Thai Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police launched a large operation, codenamed “Hanuman vs online casino mafia”, against gambling websites based in 14 provinces.
The operation involved about 350 police and targets 63 premises in 14 provinces countrywide – Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Maha Sarakham, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Ratchaburi and Buri Ram, according to a Bangkok Post report.
In Thailand, local bookmakers and agents who break the law account for a substantial proportion of bets. Most significant betting sites also welcome customers from Thailand and offer Thai baht processing for deposits and withdrawals. Although the government makes an effort to prohibit well-known gambling websites, most of them like HappyLuke Online Casino may still be accessed with a little extra work.
Major online gambling network busted
According to a ThaiPBS report, a major online gambling network with 13 locations in Bangkok and the northern province of Chiang Rai was the target of a crackdown last month by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) police, which resulted in the arrest of five people and the seizure of valuables, cash, and bank books.
The network was openly urging people to wager, especially during the World Cup 2022, and it worked around-the-clock. Seven expensive cars, 42 pricey watches, 45 designer purses, collectible dolls, three million baht in cash, and 166 bank books are among the things seized.