Are Thai online casinos run by the Thai mafia?
In Thailand, the online gambling scene is complex. While traditional Thai mafia groups are not predominantly running these operations, there is significant involvement from foreign criminal organizations, particularly Chinese syndicates. These groups have been implicated in illegal online gambling activities within the country.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns about the safety and legitimacy of certain casino-related job offers. For instance, a user shared apprehensions about their Thai girlfriend accepting a position at a Cambodian casino, with responses indicating that many of these establishments are operated by Chinese gangsters and may involve exploitative practices.
That said, most Thai players don’t need to worry about mafia involvement when gambling online. The majority of online casinos available in Thailand are based overseas and operate under international gaming licenses, known in Thai as เว็บตรงต่างประเทศ (offshore casinos). So many Thai players use these casinos since they are regulated by authorities in jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, and the Philippines.
Moreover, the Thai government is actively considering the legalization of certain forms of gambling to better regulate the industry and reduce illegal operations. In January 2025, a draft law was approved to legalize land-based casinos as part of integrated resorts in designated areas, aiming to boost tourism and increase government revenue.