In a daring move that has raised eyebrows across the gaming industry, Thai Member of Parliament, Somchai Somsri, has expressed concerns about the dominance of a single gaming operator in the country and has suggested that the government consider establishing its own casinos to provide fair competition.
The issue at hand revolves around the current gaming monopoly held by the Crown Casino Group, a powerhouse in the Thai gaming industry. The company, owned by billionaire tycoon, Chakri Ratanakul, controls a vast majority of the country’s gaming market, leaving little room for other operators to thrive. This has raised concerns among MPs and industry experts, who fear that a lack of competition could lead to detrimental effects on consumers and the economy as a whole.
Speaking to iGaming Business, MP Somchai Somsri voiced his apprehensions about the current state of the gaming industry in Thailand. “It is simply not healthy to have one dominant player controlling the entire market. Competition is essential for driving innovation, ensuring fair pricing, and ultimately providing the best experience for consumers,” he stated.
Somsri went on to propose the idea of government-run casinos as a solution to break the monopoly and introduce healthy competition into the market. “By establishing state-run casinos, we can create a level playing field for all operators and ensure that consumers have a variety of choices when it comes to gaming options. This will not only benefit players but also boost the economy through increased competition and revenue generation,” he explained.
The suggestion of government-run casinos has sparked a debate among lawmakers and industry stakeholders, with some expressing support for the idea while others remain skeptical of government intervention in the gaming sector. Critics argue that state-run casinos could lead to issues of corruption and lack of transparency, while proponents believe that it could bring about positive changes and regulate the industry more effectively.
As the gaming industry in Thailand continues to grow and evolve, the debate over the gaming monopoly and the potential for government-run casinos is likely to intensify. It remains to be seen how lawmakers will respond to MP Somchai Somsri’s bold proposal and whether it will lead to any concrete action in the near future. For now, the gaming industry in Thailand remains at a crossroads, with the future direction uncertain.
