Lifting the Ban on Poker Tournaments in Thailand to Bolster Tourism Industry

Thailand Lifts Decades-Old Ban on Poker Events

After being banned for approximately 65 years, poker events are now legal in Thailand. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai signed an order on July 30, 2025, lifting the 1958 restrictions under the Interior Ministry's directive [1][3]. The government aims to reclassify poker as a competitive sport, paving the way for international poker tournaments in the country.

The government's plan includes several key points:

Legal Basis and Timing: The directive was issued under Section 17 of the Gambling Act BE 2478 (1935) and took effect on July 30, 2025 [1][3].
Poker as a Sport: The government hopes to officially recognize poker as a sport, with the ambition of it becoming part of Thailand's competitive sports system. This shift aims to promote poker on an international level while separating it from general gambling activities [1][2][4].
Regulatory Framework Pending: Although the ban is lifted, full legalization is not yet finalized. The government is establishing a legal and regulatory framework to govern poker’s classification and competitive conditions. A committee will oversee legal amendments and regulatory enforcement to ensure strict oversight and address public concerns, such as gambling addiction [1][3].
Tournament Poker Only: The move specifically legalizes poker tournaments and does not extend to cash games or broader gambling activities. The continued restriction on other gambling forms remains firmly in place [1][3].
Tourism and Economic Goals: Enabling international poker events is seen as a way to promote tourism and position Thailand as a host for large-scale competitive poker, which could generate economic benefits [3].
Broader Context: This change occurs amid other stalled government attempts to legalize casino gaming, indicating a cautious and focused approach to gambling reform centered initially on poker competitions [3].

The size of the poker events Thailand hopes to host after lifting the ban is not immediately clear. However, the government is considering allowing official international poker events in the future, with the aim of attracting more tourists to Thailand.

This change marks a significant step forward for Thailand's gambling industry, as the country looks to tap into the potential economic benefits of poker tournaments while addressing public concerns about gambling addiction and maintaining restrictions on other forms of gambling.

In the wake of the decades-long ban, Thailand's casino-games scene, specifically poker, is poised for a resurgence with the legalization of poker events. The government plans to transform poker into a recognized casino-and-gambling sport, with the ultimate goal of hosting international poker tournaments.