MGM Urges Thailand to Keep Casino Tax Low and Open Doors to Locals

As Thailand moves closer to legalizing casino resorts, MGM Resorts International is stepping forward with a clear message: make the environment attractive for long-term investment. That means keeping tax rates low and ensuring that Thai nationals aren’t shut out from the action.Ed Bowers, MGM’s President of Global Development, recently spoke out, encouraging Thai lawmakers to adopt a casino tax model similar to Singapore’s—around 17%—rather than the much steeper rates seen in Japan (30%) or Macau (40%). According to Bowers, “If the financial framework is too heavy, operators will look elsewhere.”But tax isn’t the only concern. MGM is also urging the Thai government not to place excessive restrictions on local gamblers. A proposed entry fee of THB5,000 (about $140) for Thai citizens is under review, and earlier ideas—like requiring locals to prove assets of THB50 million ($1.5 million)—have already been abandoned due to their impracticality.To highlight the risks of limiting access, Bowers pointed to South Korea’s Inspire resort, which has suffered financially due to its reliance on foreign guests. The $1.6 billion project lost over $100 million in its first year, and its operator, Mohegan Gaming, defaulted. Bain Capital has since taken over the property and is now seeking a buyer.

Bangkok Leads the Pack

Bangkok is emerging as the most attractive site for MGM’s potential investment. With a population of over 11.5 million and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, the capital city is already a magnet for international travelers. Suvarnabhumi Airport welcomed more than 61 million passengers in 2024 alone, with over half destined for Bangkok itself.

Gaming analyst Bo Bernhard suggests that just two integrated resorts in Bangkok could generate enough revenue to rival or even surpass Singapore, making Thailand one of the most powerful players in Asia’s casino landscape.

MGM is no stranger to Asia. The company already operates in Macau and is developing a landmark resort in Osaka, Japan—an $8 billion mega-project scheduled to open in 2030, complete with thousands of hotel rooms, slots, table games, dining venues, and event spaces.

Global Giants Eyeing Thai Licenses

MGM isn’t alone in eyeing the Thai market. Major players like Melco Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock International have all expressed interest. Some have already opened offices in Bangkok to prepare for a licensing opportunity.

Beyond Bangkok, the Thai government has identified Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket as additional potential locations for up to five new entertainment complexes.

Balancing Regulation and Opportunity

Concerns remain among Thai lawmakers about problem gambling and financial crime, but proponents argue that regulated integrated resorts are better positioned to manage these risks than the country’s current illegal gambling activities.

With proper oversight and investment-friendly policy, Thailand could soon find itself at the center of Asia’s next casino boom. For MGM and its rivals, the game is just beginning.

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