Thailand government seeks measures to tackle the problems of illegal gambling.

[Vishnu.Reang]

How can this be stopped when it is the reality of Life in government? Imagine you only need to "Do Nothing" and then you'll be in payroll with the amount you cannot earn for whole year but this syndicate will pay you for just a month of keeping silent  and nothing to act?
this is why in every government there will always be a Crook , i have seen government in my own eyes and yes , there will always be someone that will accept under the table money , and they will never end .

That's how the things work. In India, many years back the government increased the excise duty on gold imports. The irony was that the increase was not done in order to boost the tax revenues, but to help the smuggling gangs. Smugglers usually purchase gold from UAE and then smuggle it to India. For every 1 kg of gold, they receive profits of around $7,000. There were rumors that a part of this profits end up with the government ministers, just to make sure that the high level of excise duty is maintained. Anyway, this year the duty was reduced from 12% to 8% and there seems to be a decline in smuggling. The same happens with gambling as well. For the cops and the politicians, it is beneficial to ban gambling. Then they can demand bribes from those who operate the illegal casinos.

[Taskford]

~

Yeah.. the same thing is happening here as well.. Governments ban whatever they don't like, but the demand is still there. So the business just moves underground, away from the surveillance of the authorities. And once it moves underground, the criminal gangs get involved and there will be competition and violence between various groups for dominance. Anyway, one thing is certain. Whatever profits are generated from this, none of it will end up with the government.

And I forgot the angle of corruption when it comes to this kind of things, this underground businesses are proliferating despite authorities cracking down these businesses because corrupt politicians and police chiefs are on the payroll of this illegal business which in turn gives protection from crack downs. The addition of violence is the worst thing that can happen for these underground businesses, innocents are caught in the crossfire and the taxes that could have been taken from this businesses if they were legitimate could have make bigger projects.

How can this be stopped when it is the reality of Life in government? Imagine you only need to "Do Nothing" and then you'll be in payroll with the amount you cannot earn for whole year but this syndicate will pay you for just a month of keeping silent  and nothing to act?
this is why in every government there will always be a Crook , i have seen government in my own eyes and yes , there will always be someone that will accept under the table money , and they will never end .

Not everytime is happy day with those scalawags officials and there corruption into that area will be busted once the official won in the election have will power to stop any illegalities especially on the gambling side. Although it's hard for to fight this scenery since they make this as normal activity but once there are leaks that will lead to pointing the corrupt official and other practices for sure this activities will be lessen in future.

[Cling18]

Online gambling is banned in thailand the government does not issue any licenses that allow operator VAT sites to gamble online in thailand. In reality the country has never considered such a possibility as worldly forms of gambling are generally banned despite the ban local players enjoy foreign services there are many online gambling sites that take thai players, although a few of them are available in thai. At the same time the ministry of information and communication technology periodically tries to control the situation these will be banned if the government imposes taxes on them.

This has been happening in different countries such as Cambodia. As for me, the government couldn't stop people from gambling and countries with gambling restrictions would only make their people commit underground businesses and illegal gambling just to pursue the things that they want. That's actually one of the reasons why some gamblers travel to other countries just to play freely.

[TheGreatPython]

Governments ban whatever they don't like, but the demand is still there. So the business just moves underground, away from the surveillance of the authorities. And once it moves underground, the criminal gangs get involved and there will be competition and violence between various groups for dominance. Anyway, one thing is certain. Whatever profits are generated from this, none of it will end up with the government.

But, the money was never going to the government from these illegal sites and bookies anyway so the best they can do is just try and ban all the illegal stuff that happens.

I don't understand one thing honestly. How do gamblers actually cash their winnings. I understand they might make bets and win money in BTC let's say and withdraw without any problems from the casino. But once they cash the BTC for fiat, they will have to answer from where they got this money and have to pay taxes on them. So how do these guys avoid them always confuses me.

Even if they take the PayPal route by converting their BTC into Paypal and withdrawing to the bank, then still the money comes to the bank at the end of the day and you have to pay taxes and answer the tax authorities about how you earned it.

[Pamadar]

Online gambling is banned in thailand the government does not issue any licenses that allow operator VAT sites to gamble online in thailand. In reality the country has never considered such a possibility as worldly forms of gambling are generally banned despite the ban local players enjoy foreign services there are many online gambling sites that take thai players, although a few of them are available in thai. At the same time the ministry of information and communication technology periodically tries to control the situation these will be banned if the government imposes taxes on them.

This has been happening in different countries such as Cambodia. As for me, the government couldn't stop people from gambling and countries with gambling restrictions would only make their people commit underground businesses and illegal gambling just to pursue the things that they want. That's actually one of the reasons why some gamblers travel to other countries just to play freely.

Also, a good reason to rule it again and try what would be the best thing to do.

Considering what are the potential benefits that the government may gain if they'll try to work it out, there are positive and negative
effects but balancing it in favor of the people, taxes that will be implemented is really huge and with the pandemic, it can help a lot
in terms of financial usages.

[acquafredda]

Online gambling is banned in thailand the government does not issue any licenses that allow operator VAT sites to gamble online in thailand. In reality the country has never considered such a possibility as worldly forms of gambling are generally banned despite the ban local players enjoy foreign services there are many online gambling sites that take thai players, although a few of them are available in thai. At the same time the ministry of information and communication technology periodically tries to control the situation these will be banned if the government imposes taxes on them.

This has been happening in different countries such as Cambodia. As for me, the government couldn't stop people from gambling and countries with gambling restrictions would only make their people commit underground businesses and illegal gambling just to pursue the things that they want. That's actually one of the reasons why some gamblers travel to other countries just to play freely.

You are being a bit too simplistic here: how many people can easily cross the border to just go gamble in another jurisdiction? Also, I do not think that is even necessary.
I went to Thailand a few years ago and I remember how illegal gambling (not mentioning all other sort of illegal things) were popular among thai people.

[bryant.coleman]

But, the money was never going to the government from these illegal sites and bookies anyway so the best they can do is just try and ban all the illegal stuff that happens.

I don't understand one thing honestly. How do gamblers actually cash their winnings. I understand they might make bets and win money in BTC let's say and withdraw without any problems from the casino. But once they cash the BTC for fiat, they will have to answer from where they got this money and have to pay taxes on them. So how do these guys avoid them always confuses me.

Even if they take the PayPal route by converting their BTC into Paypal and withdrawing to the bank, then still the money comes to the bank at the end of the day and you have to pay taxes and answer the tax authorities about how you earned it.

Many of the countries allow international travellers to carry up to $10,000 in cash with them (that limit may vary from country to country). Purchasing Bitcoin is going to be one of the most attractive options. Also, there are other options, such as purchasing gold coins, luxury items.etc. Another option is to purchase prepaid debit cards, which require no KYC. There are hundreds of options and unless the individual in question wins millions of USD in prizes, it is not going to be an issue. 

[Finestream]

But, the money was never going to the government from these illegal sites and bookies anyway so the best they can do is just try and ban all the illegal stuff that happens.

I don't understand one thing honestly. How do gamblers actually cash their winnings. I understand they might make bets and win money in BTC let's say and withdraw without any problems from the casino. But once they cash the BTC for fiat, they will have to answer from where they got this money and have to pay taxes on them. So how do these guys avoid them always confuses me.

Even if they take the PayPal route by converting their BTC into Paypal and withdrawing to the bank, then still the money comes to the bank at the end of the day and you have to pay taxes and answer the tax authorities about how you earned it.

Many of the countries allow international travellers to carry up to $10,000 in cash with them (that limit may vary from country to country). Purchasing Bitcoin is going to be one of the most attractive options. Also, there are other options, such as purchasing gold coins, luxury items.etc. Another option is to purchase prepaid debit cards, which require no KYC. There are hundreds of options and unless the individual in question wins millions of USD in prizes, it is not going to be an issue. 

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

[iTradeChips]

Now aside from the issue with big illegals, we also have to recognize the problem with small scale gambling in rural areas. I think if we are going to get a somewhat different perspective on this, is that the government might not be able to tackle all of them, especially the small ones. I mean as long as there will be people willing to bet or gamble, there would be people willing to set up operations in their locale. Legitimize, and you will not have any problems at all.

[carlisle1]

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

As long as you understand how Bitcoin works there's no worries about buying it even in a million if you are so lucky to win it from any types of gambling, you'll simply cross boarders without any trace.

You'll be enjoying your money after moving back to your own country and exchange your Bitcoin to your chosen fiat.
It's much simple with Bitcoin if you are aware with volatility, for sure there are already lots of gamblers who understand this and already
seeing the good potential of this system for their benefits.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

As long as you understand how Bitcoin works there's no worries about buying it even in a million if you are so lucky to win it from any types of gambling, you'll simply cross boarders without any trace.

You'll be enjoying your money after moving back to your own country and exchange your Bitcoin to your chosen fiat.
It's much simple with Bitcoin if you are aware with volatility, for sure there are already lots of gamblers who understand this and already
seeing the good potential of this system for their benefits.

According to your point, it is also necessary to emphasize that transactions with Bitcoin are very fast, what you should be careful is that when you make the change to FIAT in banks it is likely that they will ask you the origin of the funds, it is always good to do changes to FIAT with amounts not so large. When there are countries that prohibit so much, you must be smarter to make each transaction. Many governments have control over the banks, and that is why they can even imprison, only by lifting any type of law against the person.

[molsewid]

Now aside from the issue with big illegals, we also have to recognize the problem with small scale gambling in rural areas. I think if we are going to get a somewhat different perspective on this, is that the government might not be able to tackle all of them, especially the small ones. I mean as long as there will be people willing to bet or gamble, there would be people willing to set up operations in their locale. Legitimize, and you will not have any problems at all.

Small group of locale continuously doing their betting or gambling session despite of the strict rules of the governmentbthat gambling was prohibited was a much more difficult to handle kind of case rather than taking an action to a big gambling businesses right. I bet, people who used to be a bettors or gambler couldn't be controlled and they will going to find its way to play gambling with or without the permission of their government. I am agreeing in the fact of legitimizing gambling or betting because if ever any gambling session they can collect a taxes be it locale of big group and it can help the country's economic problem.

[Viscore]

Now aside from the issue with big illegals, we also have to recognize the problem with small scale gambling in rural areas. I think if we are going to get a somewhat different perspective on this, is that the government might not be able to tackle all of them, especially the small ones. I mean as long as there will be people willing to bet or gamble, there would be people willing to set up operations in their locale. Legitimize, and you will not have any problems at all.

Small group of locale continuously doing their betting or gambling session despite of the strict rules of the governmentbthat gambling was prohibited was a much more difficult to handle kind of case rather than taking an action to a big gambling businesses right. I bet, people who used to be a bettors or gambler couldn't be controlled and they will going to find its way to play gambling with or without the permission of their government. I am agreeing in the fact of legitimizing gambling or betting because if ever any gambling session they can collect a taxes be it locale of big group and it can help the country's economic problem.

There problem is illegal gambling, therefore we can assume that they are already regulating gambling but the implementation is weak. Maybe they just have to improve on that part, strict implementation so those who are illegally operating will be stop and the revenue of the government in coming from taxes will increase if they can influence effectively those running illegal gambling to legitimize themselves.

[uneng]

Now aside from the issue with big illegals, we also have to recognize the problem with small scale gambling in rural areas. I think if we are going to get a somewhat different perspective on this, is that the government might not be able to tackle all of them, especially the small ones. I mean as long as there will be people willing to bet or gamble, there would be people willing to set up operations in their locale. Legitimize, and you will not have any problems at all.

Small group of locale continuously doing their betting or gambling session despite of the strict rules of the governmentbthat gambling was prohibited was a much more difficult to handle kind of case rather than taking an action to a big gambling businesses right. I bet, people who used to be a bettors or gambler couldn't be controlled and they will going to find its way to play gambling with or without the permission of their government. I am agreeing in the fact of legitimizing gambling or betting because if ever any gambling session they can collect a taxes be it locale of big group and it can help the country's economic problem.

There problem is illegal gambling, therefore we can assume that they are already regulating gambling but the implementation is weak. Maybe they just have to improve on that part, strict implementation so those who are illegally operating will be stop and the revenue of the government in coming from taxes will increase if they can influence effectively those running illegal gambling to legitimize themselves.

Really that you want to improve regulations to collect more taxes from small bettors in rural areas? Probably these people live in financial difficult already and their only hobby after a day or week of hard work is to gamble a little bit with their local friends. If goverments are going to become more strict towards these gamblers they will become poorer than they already are or they will lose their happy hour activity.
There are another ways to increase revenue for governments without ruining some farmers fun time.

[hulla]

But, the money was never going to the government from these illegal sites and bookies anyway so the best they can do is just try and ban all the illegal stuff that happens.

I don't understand one thing honestly. How do gamblers actually cash their winnings. I understand they might make bets and win money in BTC let's say and withdraw without any problems from the casino. But once they cash the BTC for fiat, they will have to answer from where they got this money and have to pay taxes on them. So how do these guys avoid them always confuses me.

Even if they take the PayPal route by converting their BTC into Paypal and withdrawing to the bank, then still the money comes to the bank at the end of the day and you have to pay taxes and answer the tax authorities about how you earned it.

Many of the countries allow international travellers to carry up to $10,000 in cash with them (that limit may vary from country to country). Purchasing Bitcoin is going to be one of the most attractive options. Also, there are other options, such as purchasing gold coins, luxury items.etc. Another option is to purchase prepaid debit cards, which require no KYC. There are hundreds of options and unless the individual in question wins millions of USD in prizes, it is not going to be an issue. 

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

Bitcoin is safer and not untraceable if you don't use privacy wallet or tumbler and footing the OP explanation about how the illegal gambling is done, the possible payment used by the gamblers to the house fiat currency, gold coin, etc because the gambling are performed in person not online so the use crypto as payment may not be allowed and the chance of people contacting the virus is high, that's the reason why the Thailand government want to take a drastic measure.

[Sithara007]

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

Yes.. Bitcoin offers 100% anonymity, as long as you are storing your coins in a wallet which doesn't have any transactions made to KYC-enabled exchanges. Since it is a digital asset, you don't face any checks at the airport as well. It can't get any better than this. You can first convert fiat to BTC in Thailand and then travel to a country such as Cambodia, where gambling is legal. And there you can convert your BTC to fiat and visit the casinos. If you win big amounts, then once again you can convert it back to BTC and travel back to Thailand.

[stadus]

Correct but as a crypto enthusiast, I guess I would prefer to carry bitcoin as its safer and untraceable. Debit card is also good though but crypto is the best, as long as you understand its volatility and know how to manage it, you can always carry as much as you want, even $1 million usd as it's all in your wallet.

Yes.. Bitcoin offers 100% anonymity, as long as you are storing your coins in a wallet which doesn't have any transactions made to KYC-enabled exchanges. Since it is a digital asset, you don't face any checks at the airport as well. It can't get any better than this. You can first convert fiat to BTC in Thailand and then travel to a country such as Cambodia, where gambling is legal. And there you can convert your BTC to fiat and visit the casinos. If you win big amounts, then once again you can convert it back to BTC and travel back to Thailand.

If these countries you've mentioned support crypto then it's easy to travel with huge money in your bitcoin wallet, but if not, it's still useless. Exchanging your bitcoin in countries where p2p is the most popular is not easy, especially if you are a tourist, correct me if I'm wrong.

[bryant.coleman]

If these countries you've mentioned support crypto then it's easy to travel with huge money in your bitcoin wallet, but if not, it's still useless. Exchanging your bitcoin in countries where p2p is the most popular is not easy, especially if you are a tourist, correct me if I'm wrong.

A certain amount of risk is always there in P2P transactions. But as long as you limit your transactions with traders having a very good feedback score, you should be OK. Compared to the other options (such as carrying cash or prepaid cards), this option seems to be easier and safe for me. Obviously you need to be careful, to avoid falling in legal trouble and scams. But if you have the experience in traveling from one country to other for gambling, then I expect you to have some basic understanding of how things work there.

[coin.princess]

Would be much easier just to make gambling legal, that way you will avoid all the illegal gambling problems and you have more supervision.
You will also avoid money laundering that way.

[2double0]

Would be much easier just to make gambling legal, that way you will avoid all the illegal gambling problems and you have more supervision.
You will also avoid money laundering that way.

I think they are not ready to make it legal there, the way you see countries like India, Sri Lanka, Philippines and many which do not appreciate any gambling activities, yet their citizens gamble on various online gambling platforms. We are very small scale people and discussing it here will not bring any changes there in Thailand. If people of Thailand want a change, they should file a petition and sign it and legally request their government to make gambling legal in their country.