These somewhat draconian laws have led to a proliferation of online gambling, with Western operators including Mr Green offering a far greater amount of protection to its Thai players than their own government. What's more, the Thailand Civil and Commercial Code (section 853 and 855) makes it clear that any form of gambling debt, whether it be to a friend or a bookmaker, is not enforceable. Illegal gambling does not come without its risks, though, and Thai bookmakers are notorious for withholding major wins from players - with no regulator to turn to, the citizens are forced to accept their losses and find a new, more reliable haunt.
In spite of the blanket ban, gambling is still very active within the country, with players still keen to make the most of the limited offline and online opportunities. There are only two exceptions the State Lottery, and horse-racing, which is the only form of sports betting available within the countries’ borders. Famous for its beautiful islands, wild parties and the enigmatic capital city of Bangkok, Thailand follows in the footsteps of other South-East Asian nations by maintaining a complete ban on the vast majority of gambling activities.