Tourism and gambling: The influence of Thai and Australian casinos on global travel
Tourism plays a major role in countries like Thailand and Australia. Admittedly, it’s more significant for the former, but the latter has been able to benefit in the past from the amount of foreign travel to the country that has been experienced.
According to a report by Reuters, Thailand broke its record for tourism numbers and revenues in 2019. That year, 39.9 million tourists from foreign countries arrived and spent 1.91 trillion baht ($55.98 billion). The same article highlights that they are looking to try and break those records in 2025, with the government looking to have 40 million foreign arrivals and make 3.4 trillion baht ($98.6 billion).
One way that has been identified as potentially helping them to achieve these lofty and ambitious figures is by introducing legal gambling environments, such as casinos.
Legal gambling can be an economic and tourism boost
Thailand and Australia differ a lot when it comes to gambling. Australia has already shown that it is a country that benefits domestically from gambling venues and online sites, with the nation having a strong culture for the activity. Indeed, there are several sites like “CasinoAus” available that allow players to find the best options for their gaming needs and also promote safe gambling that tourists can enjoy. This site provides resources and information on various online pokies, aiming to help users make informed decisions while emphasising safe gambling practices.
It has been claimed that the Australian Casino Tourism Market is expected to grow significantly over the next eight years. Between 2024 and 2032, a report by Credence Research has suggested that the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.04%. This would see figures jump from $411.84 million to $761.48 million.
Thailand appears to have the same thoughts in regard to how potentially lucrative the industry could be to the country’s coffers if it were to be legalised. The activity is legal in some capacity, although it is largely restricted to state-controlled horse races and an official lottery. As a result, there is a lot of underground activity that the government has claimed it is missing out on.
They have argued that the absence of legal casinos in the country has impacted tourism numbers as well as the revenue that can be obtained, noting how neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar have all managed to benefit from the introduction of legal casino complexes.
However, it hasn’t been without the want of trying. Thailand has made many proposals regarding the possibility of changing its legal status. Each of these has been met with fierce resistance, with the nation’s public and conservatives strongly against the idea due to their traditions and beliefs.
Not all about gambling
One reason that casinos have become popular tourist attractions in places like Australia and other Asian countries is the fact that they have become an entertainment hub. While these venues are immediately associated with games of chance, they have become so much more than just a place to gamble in recent decades.
America’s Las Vegas is a big example of how these establishments look now. These venues provide other forms of entertainment, such as musical acts, magic shows, and other variety acts, making them a place that has something for everyone to enjoy.
Thailand has looked to use this as an example of why they want to legalise casinos, arguing that it can have a positive impact on tourism numbers and revenues that are possible to generate. It can also help them create more jobs, which can help drive the economy forward in more ways than just one. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is an example of how an entertainment complex works within Asia, while Macau is also reaping the benefits of having casinos established in the region.
Why casinos work as a tourism attraction
Casinos are not limited to seasons, which is why they could work as the perfect visitor attraction for tourists to Thailand.
As they can operate all year round, they can continue to generate revenues and attract visitors to Southeast Asia. With the lofty numbers that are being desired, it could give the country a chance to reach the 40 million that is wanted without the low season having the usual detrimental impact that can be experienced due to the closure of other tourist attractions.
Thailand could look to create casino establishments that provide an authentic Thai experience and give visitors a chance to experience a certain type of culture and tradition that can’t be obtained anywhere else. It’s something that many Australian casinos have managed to do Down Under, which is why there has been a growing trend in regard to its industry and the revenues that are expected to be obtained in the next decade or so.
