Measures for the prevention and control of gambling on the Internet

Abstract

Gambling on the Internet has numerous, problematic effects on a country’s economy, education, religion, and culture. However, the study found that Thailand’s Gambling Act B.E. 2478. does not curb Internet gambling because of problems with the definition of gambling, low penalties, and lack of a gambling board to enforce the law. The researcher suggested the need for amendments to the Gambling Act, including a precise definition of Internet gambling, and regulations to control bookmakers and to oversee property exchanged in gambling. In addition, the researcher suggested strengthening existing legal measures to include tax penalties, measures for financial institutions to prohibit transactions related to gambling, and measures under territorial law to prosecute overseas gambling sites. In addition, the researcher suggested the need for social and policy measures to prevent gambling on the Internet such as a persistent campaign to stop gambling, cooperation between government agencies, cooperation with the private sector to check gambling sites, and the establishment of an agency to control gambling. If these measures are enforced, gambling on the Internet might have phased out of Thailand.