The success of illegal gambling in Thailand

In Thailand, gambling is strictly prohibited by law. However, it is exceptionally easy to engage in it. Games are organized all around the country and illegal casinos are flourishing more and more, whether in the capital of Bangkok or in the provinces.

Around 200 underground establishments in Bangkok

Contrary to what one might think, it is against the law to engage in gambling in Thailand. This may seem strange, since in Bangkok, for example, it is easy to find games organized in public places and a number of clandestine casinos scattered across the city. In fact, these casinos number around 200 establishments. If such as state of affairs is possible, it’s because certain corrupt police close their eyes to illegal activities. Worse, some even participate actively. A major scandal broke in 2011, when it was discovered that one of the largest clandestine casinos in Bangkok was run by two corrupt cops.

A flourishing business

In Thailand, police earn a small salary that is not always enough to decently live on, so the temptation to take bribes is great. On average, illegal casinos pay between 5% and 20% of their revenue to the police. According to official estimates, the illegal gambling industry is a big business that brings in nearly 5 billion euros each year to illegal casino owners in Bangkok. This number rises to 21.5 billion euros at the national level.