Thailand Officially Declares Poker as a Recognized Sport

Thailand has recently made a significant move by officially recognizing poker as a sport, a decision that is expected to boost its standing in the realm of international competitions. This official declaration was made during a high-profile gathering of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) held on July 23. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and saw the attendance of the Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong, along with SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee and several other notable officials. The inclusion of poker as a recognized sport is part of Thailand’s strategy to enhance its appeal as a destination for sports tourism. In line with this move, the SAT also granted sport status to American football, a sport witnessing increasing global popularity and inclusion in the LA 2028 Summer Olympics.

Poker: A Game of Skill and Strategy

The SAT’s decision to categorize poker as a sport is backed by the game's widespread international acclaim and its reputation for requiring significant skill, rather than just luck. Poker, SAT officials noted, is a game that is easy to learn but requires considerable intellectual engagement, emotional control, strategic decision-making, and psychological acumen—qualities that elevate it to the level of other mental sports. The officials emphasized poker’s demand for intelligence and the psychological insight required to determine possible outcomes and make strategic decisions. They clearly stated that this new recognition should not be mistaken for legalization of gambling, which remains prohibited under Thai law.

Integrating Poker into Thailand's Tourism and Sports

This historic recognition comes right before the upcoming World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Thailand event, slated for July 30 to August 5. This tournament is anticipated to draw a substantial number of players and spectators, providing Thailand with an opportunity to showcase its capability to integrate poker into its sports and tourism sectors. In preparation for this transition, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports had begun laying the foundations earlier this year. Specifically, in May, they partnered with the WPT to initiate the country’s first professional training program for poker dealers. Despite the progressive steps towards embracing poker, Thailand’s legal relationship with card games remains cautious. The Playing Cards Act of 1943 imposes restrictions on individuals, limiting the number of playing cards one can possess without necessary registration. This law, originally intended to reduce wartime leisure, still exerts influence in the present day. Notably, in 2016, a raid in Pattaya led to the detention of elderly bridge players, highlighting the complexities associated with card games in Thailand. By advancing poker’s status as a sport, Thailand aims to diversify its sports tourism offerings and tap into the growing global interest in skill-based competitive games. Official recognition might catalyze the inclusion of other mind sports like bridge in the future. Source: “Poker recognised as an official sport in Thailand”, thainewsroom.com, Jul 23, 2025. By GamesAndCasino