A new poll states that the majority of people in Thailand oppose the government’s plan to legalize online gambling and land-based casinos. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

The findings of a new poll suggest that the majority of people in Thailand aren’t in favor of the government legalizing land-based casinos and online gambling.

The National Institute of Development Administration published its poll on Sunday outlining how 69% of people it talked to were against online gambling, with 59% not in favor of land-based casinos. Only 29% of respondents supported both proposals.

The poll also asked if people thought the government should hold a public referendum on one or both of these issues, with 51% disagreeing on both fronts.

Lawmakers in Thailand have pushed to expand existing gambling legislation in recent months in an attempt to drive more tourism and add to tax coffers. Many people visit neighboring countries like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines for their extensive casino resort entertainment complexes.

government already approved a draft bill in January

The government already approved a draft bill in January to proceed with online gambling and land-based facilities. This would significantly expand the current framework, which only allows a lottery and horse racing betting.

Proponents of the proposals believe that gambling tax revenue could exceed US$3bn annually, although the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime cautioned lawmakers about the risks of criminals using an iGaming sector for illicit activities.