Gambling in Thailand 101 - Part One
Written by Frances Watthanaya
There are three ways to gamble on fights in Thailand:
The Side Bet
Ringside Betting
Underground Betting
The Side Bet
Ringside Betting
Underground Betting
The Side Bet
The side bet is held at ringside and collected prior to the fight. There are no odds and the winner takes all. There are four types of side bets:
The most common side bet is one collected directly prior to the fight. Two or three fights before, the ring announcer will call for one’s side bet; money is collected on the spot and will be adjusted until it is even on both sides.
The most common side bet is one collected directly prior to the fight. Two or three fights before, the ring announcer will call for one’s side bet; money is collected on the spot and will be adjusted until it is even on both sides.
For bigger fights camps will agree with the promoter on the amount ahead of the time. This amount must be matched the night of the fight or the fight is off. Side bets like these range from $600USD to $60,000USD.
Deposited side bets are occasionally implemented. The morning of the fight, the promoter will require a deposit for each match-up equal to half the amount of the minimum side bet. The idea behind this is so fighters don’t just show up at the match-ups wanting to fight solely for their purse, but must be honest in their pursuit. In cases like this the minimal amount a fighter must bet is $30USD, if they cannot match this amount their $15USD deposit is forfeited and they don’t get to fight.
The fake side is very common in Thailand, and often very easy to spot. Fake side bets usually take place under two sets of circumstances. The first is for new and unknown fighters who want to show promoters that they have a side bet, but in actuality they can’t afford one and aren’t confident in their fighters. This is discussed privately by gyms ahead of time. Money is still placed at ringside and the winner will still take it all, but afterwards it is divided back between the two camps. This is often the case when deposited side bets are forced. The other fake side bet happens when two, big named fighters are mismatched based on weight. Promoters will use their names as a draw to get people to come watch the fights, and the fighters will come to collect their purse. The side bet is all for face; this is only done on small shows like at temple fairs.
Fights without a side bet aren’t considered competitive, and not having a side bet is a form of losing face in Thailand. There is opportunity though, at temple fairs for young fighters to get their start without the pressures of gambling.
Deposited side bets are occasionally implemented. The morning of the fight, the promoter will require a deposit for each match-up equal to half the amount of the minimum side bet. The idea behind this is so fighters don’t just show up at the match-ups wanting to fight solely for their purse, but must be honest in their pursuit. In cases like this the minimal amount a fighter must bet is $30USD, if they cannot match this amount their $15USD deposit is forfeited and they don’t get to fight.
The fake side is very common in Thailand, and often very easy to spot. Fake side bets usually take place under two sets of circumstances. The first is for new and unknown fighters who want to show promoters that they have a side bet, but in actuality they can’t afford one and aren’t confident in their fighters. This is discussed privately by gyms ahead of time. Money is still placed at ringside and the winner will still take it all, but afterwards it is divided back between the two camps. This is often the case when deposited side bets are forced. The other fake side bet happens when two, big named fighters are mismatched based on weight. Promoters will use their names as a draw to get people to come watch the fights, and the fighters will come to collect their purse. The side bet is all for face; this is only done on small shows like at temple fairs.
Fights without a side bet aren’t considered competitive, and not having a side bet is a form of losing face in Thailand. There is opportunity though, at temple fairs for young fighters to get their start without the pressures of gambling.
Check out my Part Two on ringside betting next month!
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