Seeking tax dollars, tourism
Myanmar is one step closer to authorizing foreigners-only casinos along the borders of Thailand and China. The 2018 Gambling Bill, which amends the 1986 Gambling Act, was submitted for review last week to the lower house of parliament.
According to the Myanmar Times, if passed, the bill would permit casinos near the Myanmar border to attract more foreigners from neighboring countries such as Thailand and China. But no such facilities would be permitted in “cultural tourist hotspots,” such as Bagan.
“Only foreigners will be allowed into the casinos. As such, the government will target areas with the most foreigners, such as near the border,” said Myanmar Planning and Finance Minister U Aung Hlaing Win.
“The passing of the 2018 Gambling Law will enable a whole new sector to flourish and draw much needed taxes and foreign currency into the country.”
