Shinawatra’s victory increases chances for casinos in Thailand: analyst

Yingluck Shinawatra’s victory in Thailand’s general election has made it more likely for the country to allow casinos, according to a note to investors from Union Gaming Research. “A Yingluck Shinawatra election victory represents the greatest probability for casinos in Thailand in our view,” the note says, noting that her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had long wanted to hold a national referendum on legalizing casinos in the country. According to Union Gaming Research, although the King of Thailand opposes casinos, “there appears to be support for a legalized gaming system taking into account that half the population is believed to gamble illegally at present.” The note adds that Cambodia’s NagaCorp could have some advantage through its political connections to eventually grab one of Thailand’s potential casino licenses.