Amid heated discussions in Thailand about the legalization of "entertainment complexes" and gambling, a research report authored by Lau Kok Keng, a renowned gambling law expert from Singapore, has drawn significant attention from Thai political and academic circles. The report, titled "Singapore's Experience in Legalizing Gambling: Setting a Benchmark in Controlling Social Costs," provides a detailed review of how Singapore transformed from a gambling-prohibited nation into a powerhouse of gambling and tourism, offering institutional references and practical warnings for Thailand.
The report points out that Singapore briefly opened up gambling in the early 19th century, but a comprehensive ban was enforced in 1829, leading to the proliferation of a black market for gambling, law enforcement corruption, and underground casinos. It wasn't until 2005, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who faced strong opposition, that gambling was legalized and the world's strictest regulatory system was established, successfully standardizing industry development.
In 2010, the opening of Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa significantly boosted the tourism industry, with visitor numbers increasing nearly 20% the following year, reaching a peak of 19.1 million in 2019. Notably, contrary to concerns, the rate of problem gambling did not increase but decreased from 4.1% in 2005 to 2.6% in 2010.
The report specifically warns Thailand that "the real challenge is not physical casinos, but online gambling." Online platforms are difficult to regulate, highly susceptible to fraud and money laundering, and have become a societal concern. Lau Kok Keng emphasizes that legalizing gambling is not about condoning it, but about institutionalizing risks through high thresholds, strict regulation, entry fees, and social mechanisms to reclaim the narrative from illegal markets.
He also cautions that gambling policies should not be decided by a public referendum, as it can lead to emotional or moral voting, obscuring the complex nature of the issue and missing policy opportunities.
Currently, the Thai government is actively promoting pilot projects for "entertainment complexes," with several multinational gambling giants eager to participate. The public disclosure of Singapore's experience undoubtedly provides a solid reference for the controversial reform of gambling in Thailand and prompts all parties to reconsider the real intentions behind "gambling through proxy."
