Thailand Officially Recognizes Poker as an Official Sport

Policy Announcement and Background

• Authority: Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)
• Announcement Date: July 23, 2025
• Presided by: Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit
• Key Move: Poker has been formally recognized as an official sport in Thailand, emphasizing its nature as a skill-based game involving mental calculation, psychological strategy, and critical thinking.

Sportification vs. Gambling Regulation

• SAT stated that poker must be conducted strictly as a sport and must not be associated with any form of gambling.
• The decision complies with Thailand’s legal framework and represents a shift toward integrating poker as a mind sport.
• Officials acknowledged poker’s global appeal and its potential contribution to the local economy and sports tourism.

Talent Development and Infrastructure

• In May 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports partnered with the World Poker Tour (WPT) to launch Thailand’s first professional poker dealer training program:
  • A five-day certified course held in Bangkok.
  • Covered technical skills, conflict resolution, and tournament operations.
  • Trained 100 aspiring dealers who are now eligible to join the WPT’s dealer talent pool.
• The program is part of the government’s broader Mind Sports Talent Development Programme, aimed at building a sustainable support system for poker and related events.

WPT Prime Thailand Tournament

• Dates: July 30 – August 5, 2025
• The tournament offers an immediate platform to showcase poker’s integration into Thailand’s sports and tourism ecosystems.
• Hundreds of players and spectators are expected, contributing to local economic activity and reinforcing poker’s legitimacy as a sport.

Legal Background and Complexity

• Despite poker’s new status, gambling laws remain strict. The 1943 Playing Cards Act:
  • Regulates possession and import of unregistered playing cards.
  • Originally intended to prevent public idleness during wartime.
  • Limits individuals from owning more than 120 cards without registration.
• Notable precedent:
  • In 2016, 32 elderly members of the Pattaya Bridge Club were detained on gambling suspicions but not prosecuted.
  • Despite widespread play, bridge has yet to gain official sport status in Thailand.

Strategic Direction for Sports Tourism

• Recognizing poker aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a global hub for sports tourism.
• The SAT and Ministry of Tourism and Sports aim to host more international tournaments.
• Focus areas include skill-based and mind sports such as chess, bridge, and esports.

Conclusion

Thailand’s move to classify poker as an official sport signals a progressive stance on mind sports. With government-backed training programs, professional events, and clear regulatory separation from gambling, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in hosting and developing skill-based competitive games.