Thailand's anticipated casino gaming expansion receives a potential boost as HBO's "The White Lotus" Season 3 prepares to showcase the kingdom's cultural richness and hospitality.

The Royal Thai Government is finalizing legislation to authorize five integrated resorts (IRs), with proposed locations including two in Bangkok and others in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Industry analysts project annual gaming revenue could exceed $9 billion once the market matures.

Melco Resorts, a major casino operator in Macau, has established a Thailand office and expressed strong interest in the market. CEO Lawrence Ho believes the HBO series, filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, will significantly boost Thailand's tourism appeal, drawing parallels to HBO's "Deadwood" impact on South Dakota tourism.

Recent public polling shows approximately 80% of Thai citizens support casino resort development, marking a shift from historical opposition in the Buddhist-majority nation. Currently, legal gambling in Thailand is limited to the state lottery and horse racing.

This development follows Melco's previous pursuit of gaming opportunities in Japan, where the company ultimately withdrew despite initial plans for unlimited investment. MGM Resorts remains the sole operator proceeding with Japanese expansion, with construction of an $8 billion resort scheduled to begin in April.

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