As Thailand considers legalising casino resorts, MGM Resorts International, a major US gaming giant, is advising lawmakers on key conditions for its potential significant investment in the burgeoning market. MGM’s President of Global Development, Ed Bowers, has stressed the importance of maintaining a low tax rate and allowing local gamblers to play freely, without undue restrictions.

Ed Bowers, President of Global Development at MGM Resorts, offered his advice to Thai lawmakers, suggesting that maintaining a tax rate in the Singapore range, approximately 17%, would be crucial to effectively attract substantial investment in the increasingly competitive Asian gaming market. For comparison, Macau currently imposes a 40% tax rate on casino revenue, while Japan has established a 30% tax rate. Bowers also advised, as reported by iGaming Times, that Thailand should permit its local population to gamble freely, without undue restrictions. This recommendation comes in response to government considerations of a TBH5,000 (approximately $140) entry fee for Thai nationals, a measure prompted by concerns about problem gambling. A previously considered “millionaire’s clause,” which would have required locals to demonstrate THB50 million (approximately $1.5 million) in assets before they could gamble, was reportedly dropped after lawmakers realised it would effectively exclude up to 70% of the adult population.

Lessons from Asia: Tax Rates and Local Access

Bowers reportedly pointed to Inspire South Korea as a cautionary example of a casino at risk of failure precisely because it relies solely on foreign gamblers. He highlighted, as reported by iGaming Times, that the $1.6 billion resort incurred a $104 million loss in its first year of operation, leading its operator, Mohegan Gaming, into default. In February 2025, lender Bain Capital reportedly seized control of the property and has recently put it up for sale, underscoring the potential risks associated with a foreign-only gambler model in the long run.

Bangkok as a Prime Investment Location

In comments regarding the potential for legal casino resorts, Bowers addressed widespread fears that such developments would inevitably lead to increased gambling addiction and financial crimes, such as money laundering. He insisted, as reported by iGaming Times, that “Integrated resorts not only have a significant impact on economies and tourism, they also help eliminate existing problems related to gambling,” by bringing unregulated activity into a controlled and regulated environment. MGM is reportedly eyeing the capital of Bangkok as a prime location for a resort under its brand, citing the city’s population of 11.5 million and its robust existing infrastructure, which is capable of supporting millions of tourists. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, for example, managed almost 61 million total passengers last year (2024), with 32.4 million making Bangkok their final destination. Gaming analyst Bo Bernhard stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that two well-executed resorts in Bangkok could generate sufficient revenue to “surpass Singapore and become one of the largest gaming destinations in Asia.”

Broader Competition for Thai Casino Licenses

MGM is already an established player in Asia, being one of three US gaming operators with concessions in Macau. The company is currently building its first (and so far only) integrated casino resort in Japan. This sprawling $8 billion complex in Osaka is slated to open in 2030 and will feature 2,500 hotel rooms, 2,000 slot machines, 200 tables, a 3,500-seat theatre, dozens of restaurants, and extensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space. This major development provides a clear hint of the scale and type of resort MGM might seek to bring to Thailand.

However, MGM is not the only suitor planning to bid on a Thai casino license. Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group have already opened offices in Bangkok, indicating their strong interest. Wynn Resorts is also reportedly interested, as are other major players such as Las Vegas Sands Corp, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock International. While Bangkok is considered the prime location for such developments, three other areas have also been identified as suitable for one of five proposed entertainment complexes: Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket.

In conclusion, MGM’s advice to Thailand on maintaining low casino taxes and allowing local gamblers underscores its strategic conditions for potential investment in the burgeoning market. This aligns with broader industry views on what is needed to ensure the viability and competitiveness of integrated resorts in Asia, with major international operators vying for a share of Thailand’s potential multibillion-dollar casino industry amidst ongoing regulatory considerations. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for shaping the future landscape of Thailand’s integrated resort sector.