Bangkok: The Gambling Problem Study Center at Chulalongkorn University has raised concerns over the government's proposal to establish legal casinos, arguing that such a move will not diminish the prevalence of illegal gambling dens.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuan Noi Trirat, Director of the Center for Gambling Problems at the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, suggests that the government's initiative to create a full-service entertainment complex, which includes legal casinos, is unlikely to mitigate the issue of illegal gambling. She emphasizes that without rigorous enforcement, illegal gambling dens will persist as they offer an alternative to casinos that do not require entrance fees. Dr. Nuan Noi also notes that these dens might adapt their strategies to attract more gamblers, potentially increasing the number of individuals tempted to try out legal casinos.
Furthermore, Dr. Nuan Noi highlights the risk of legal casinos becoming hubs for money laundering if not strictly regulated. She warns that without stringent laws, such establishments could provide opportunities for laundering illegal and gray money.
She also points out that many countries do not endorse domestic gambling due to the potential for additional problems when oversight and control are inadequate. Dr. Nuan Noi advocates for a comprehensive approach to tackle gambling issues, emphasizing the importance of public safety and crime reduction.