Thailand's Interim Prime Minister Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Poker Tournaments, Aims to Entice International Gaming Events
Tournament Poker Legalized in Thailand Under Strict Conditions
As of August 2025, tournament poker is now legal in Thailand, marking the end of a 63-year ban. This change was initiated by Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai, who revoked the Interior Ministry directive from 1958 that prohibited poker.
The new legal framework allows poker to be recognized and played as a sport at approved competitive events. However, it's important to note that cash games remain illegal. The Sports Authority of Thailand has classified poker as a mind sport, emphasizing its skill-based nature and excluding gambling elements. A dedicated Poker Sports Association is being formed to oversee the sport and sanction official tournaments.
Only government-approved, tournament-style poker events will be permitted. Casual, private, or cash poker games remain illegal. All events require strict regulatory oversight, and a committee is being established to finalize the legal framework and enforcement measures.
The objective behind this move is to attract international poker tournaments to boost tourism, particularly sports tourism. Phumtham Wechachai believes that Thailand needs a legal framework for poker as international federations now recognize poker as a sport.
However, the expansion of destination casino resorts, which could bring larger-scale legal casino gambling to Thailand, is currently on hold. Significant opposition from the public and political uncertainty are the main factors behind this pause. The Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was suspended by the Constitutional Court, and the draft casino bill was pulled from the House agenda recently.
In summary, Thailand has legalized tournament poker as a regulated sport to foster tourism and international competition. However, broader casino gambling legalization remains paused due to political and public challenges. Approval for poker tournaments will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Casinos and gambling, despite the legalization of tournament poker, continue to face obstacles in Thailand. The expansion of destination casino resorts, which could introduce larger-scale casino gambling, is currently on hold due to public opposition and political uncertainty.
While poker is now recognized and played as a sport, with a dedicated Poker Sports Association being formed, cash games remain illegal, underscoring the government's focus on maintaining control over gambling aspects of the sport.
