It is not only in Brazil that the issue of legalizing casinos is under debate. Among the countries discussing new rules for gambling are Thailand and France, which have many situations similar to those in Brazil.
It is important to emphasize that the expansion of online casinos reflects a global growth trend, as the games generate high amounts of money and attract the attention of governments. Gambling is a subject for adults.
In Brazil, online betting has been allowed under active regulation since January 1, 2025, but the platforms already operated previously, in a scenario without specific legislation and which did not generate returns for the government.
Now, the next step is the legalization of physical casinos, with an original project that has been in the works for over 30 years, but which was recently approved in the Chamber of Deputies and is now awaiting analysis by the Senate. A decision is expected in 2025, since online legalization has increased the pressure.
Thailand approved project along the lines of Brazil
Thailand has finalized a bill to legalize gambling in the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlighted that the legalization will boost tourism, generate jobs and attract investment, following the same line of thinking as Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino.
“Legalization will protect the public and also generate more revenue for the state,” Paetongtarn said in a press release.
The Thai project allows games to be held in complexes, again following the Brazilian trend, as the PL approved in the Chamber foresees casinos integrated into resorts.
Currently, only state-run lotteries and horse racing are allowed in Thailand. However, underground platforms are common, and legalization aims to combat this illegality.
Julapun Amornvivat, Thailand’s deputy finance minister, said the government’s proposal aims to increase the number of foreign tourists by 5% to 10% per year, in addition to creating around 15,000 new formal jobs and doubling revenue generated, from US$3.45 billion to US$6.32 billion.
France is experiencing the opposite of Brazil, with physical casinos allowed and online casinos banned
France presents a curious situation that is the opposite of Brazil. In the country, there are legalized physical casinos, but online casinos are prohibited. There are attempts to approve an amendment to free up digital platforms, with the aim of increasing public revenue. However, strong opposition has made it difficult to advance the process.
Grégory Rabuel, president of the French casino union, highlighted that the release of virtual casinos could negatively impact the profits of physical establishments, with a possible drop of up to 30% in gross revenue, which would lead to the closure of companies and an increase in unemployment.
Rabuel also highlighted that, if online casinos are authorized, the process must be conducted in conjunction with companies that already have a license to operate in physical locations, as a way of guaranteeing the safety of the establishments.
