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“ Based on my experience the timetable of two years will be challenging , with temporary sites being established while more long-term solutions are developed ”
Jason Turnbull , Inspire Advisory Group likely follow Singapore , but the Thai version will be Singapore-plus , with added requirements and family protection procedures .” He suggests “ clear and objective ” rules including a minimum income level for gaming and responsible gaming measures .
“ The funds generated for any entry fee should , at least in part , be dedicated by the government to create a viable socially responsible gaming programme to minimise any harm that might be created by the legalisation of gaming in Thailand ,” Gushin says .
As for the timing of a casino opening , Vietnam-based Inspire Advisory Group managing director Jason Turnbull explains further : “ Based on my experience the timetable of two years will be challenging , with temporary sites being established while more long-term solutions are developed .
“ If the authorities engage appropriately qualified and experienced experts and engage internationally proven best practices with laws and governance requirements to support the process then they have every opportunity to ensure a relatively smooth transition process .”
TWO YEARS TOO FAST ?
David Leppo , who has been doing business in the Mekong region since 2010 , says the concept of two years is too fast . “ In speaking with politicians , religious experts and conservatives during the last three to four years , all agree the dynamics relating to political , royal , religious and law enforcement beliefs and egos that must be addressed and convinced are multilayered and must be dealt with strategically ,” he notes . “ Four to five years is more realistic .”
“ My timetable is faster ,” Kaplan , who only last year predicted approval would be granted within three years , now says . He projects the government will solicit bids for licences late this year or early next year and expects winners to be announced by June 2025 .
That would give a winning bidder eight months within the government ’ s two-year timetable to open a casino , most likely a temporary facility , while building their IR . The world ’ s most successful temporary casino , Sands Macao , celebrates its twentieth anniversary this month .
48 • ISSUE 136 • iGB L ! VE 2024