Macau casino operators position for Thailand’s gaming market as legalization advances

Major Macau casino operators, including Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Galaxy Entertainment Group, are emerging as leading contenders for potential gaming licenses in Thailand, according to a White Paper released by Winna Media.  

Thailand’s cabinet has advanced the Ministry of Finance’s Entertainment Complex (EC) bill to Parliament, a move that could establish the country as a major gaming hub alongside Macau and Las Vegas. If legalised, the Thai gaming market could generate up to $9.1 billion in annual revenue by 2031, a Citigroup report estimates.  

The bill is currently under parliamentary review and must be approved by Thailand’s House of Representatives, Senate, and receive final endorsement from King Rama X before becoming law.  

Anticipating market entry, Melco Resorts has already opened an office in Bangkok and is building a team in Thailand. “Thailand’s emerging gambling market is a generational opportunity that probably happens once every century,” said Lawrence Ho, CEO & Chairman of Melco.  

Galaxy Entertainment plans to send a team to assess the market, while MGM Resorts has also expressed interest. Other global operators, including Las Vegas Sands, Genting Singapore, and Wynn (through its U.S. operations), are also reportedly exploring opportunities in the Kingdom.  

“The biggest hurdle we hear is refining the regulatory aspects of the bill so the major players can enter the market with confidence,” said Rosalind Wade, CEO of Winna Media.  

The legislative timeline remains uncertain, with two possible scenarios:  

• If the bill passes by April 10, 2025, the market could see an immediate surge in activity.  

• If the bill is delayed, casino operators will likely intensify lobbying efforts and negotiations ahead of the next parliamentary session.  

With Thailand’s potential as a gaming hub, Macau operators see strategic opportunities for cross-market investment.  “We see a certain Macau-Thailand synergy as the hottest vein to tap into,” Wade added.