Thailand Recognizes Poker as a Legitimate Mind Sport: Bold Decision in Southeast Asia
Thailand has made a groundbreaking move in the world of sports and gaming by officially recognizing poker as a sport [1][3]. This recognition, marked by the hosting of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime event in Bangkok from July 30 to August 5, 2025, signifies a significant shift in the legal and cultural status of skill-based games like poker within the country [1].
The decision comes amidst Thailand's ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and attract international poker tournaments [1]. Despite the country's strict anti-gambling stance, which remains in effect [2][3], this recognition could pave the way for a potential legal and regulatory opening for poker and similar skill-based games.
Under existing Thai laws, gambling activities are largely illegal, with severe penalties for violations [2][3]. However, the recognition of poker as a sport could separate it from purely gambling activities, potentially allowing for regulated competitions with prizes without being classified under the gambling laws.
Looking ahead, the recognition of poker as a sport could lead to increasing official sanction and organization of poker as a sport, including sanctioned tournaments and leagues. There may also be possible reforms in gambling regulation, reflecting the differentiation between games of chance and skill-based sports, similar to developments seen in other countries with games like chess and esports [4].
The government is also considering the possibility of integrated resorts and regulated online gaming zones, which might provide legal frameworks encompassing skill games alongside certain gambling activities by 2026–2028 [2].
However, as of now, poker's operational venues mostly remain underground or in neighboring countries, with the authorities enforcing gambling laws strictly [3]. The import or use of playing cards is also illegal under the Playing Cards Act of 1943 [3].
In conclusion, while Thailand maintains a strict anti-gambling stance, the recognition of poker as a sport by the Sports Authority signals a transformative shift that could lead to legal and regulatory frameworks distinguishing skill-based games like poker from gambling. This development is ongoing and poised for further evolution by the latter half of this decade [1][2][3].
Sources:
[1] World Poker Tour announces WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.worldpokertour.com/news/world-poker-tour-announces-wpt-prime-thailand-exhibition-30082025
[2] Thailand's Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935) and the related Penal Code. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thai-law.com/thai-law-guide/gambling-act-b.e.-2478-1935-and-the-related-penal-code/
[3] Poker Recognized as a Sport in Thailand: What Does This Mean for Players? (2025, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/07/poker-recognized-as-a-sport-in-thailand-what-does-this-mean-for-players-15897.htm
[4] The Evolution of Gambling Laws in Thailand: A Look at Chess and Esports. (2023, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.gamblinglaw.com/thailand/the-evolution-of-gambling-laws-in-thailand-a-look-at-chess-and-esports/
- The World Poker Tour Prime event, held in Bangkok from July 30 to August 5, 2025, exemplifies Thailand's growing interest in hosting poker tournaments as part of a broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings.
- The recognition of poker as a sport in Thailand could lead to a potential legal and regulatory opening for skill-based games, separate from gambling activities, allowing for future legal frameworks encompassing sanctioned poker events and leagues.
- As the Thai government considers the possibility of integrated resorts and regulated online gaming zones by 2026–2028, there may be further developments in the regulation of poker and other skill-based games, mirroring changes in gambling laws seen in countries with games like chess and esports.
