Thailand presses case for casinos to boost revenues, tourism and jobs

BANGKOK (Reuters): A bill that would legalise casinos in Thailand could be passed in the current government's term, an official has announced, as the prime minister backed a move he said would create jobs and revenue and regulate a thriving illicit gaming sector.

Casinos are illegal in Thailand and the only gambling allowed is at state-controlled horse races and on the lottery. But illicit gambling, soccer betting, underground casinos and lotteries are rife.