Thailand Recognizes Poker as a Sport, Paving the Way for New Tourism and Revenue Opportunities

In a significant development for both the local sports and tourism sectors, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has formally designated poker as an official sport. The decision, confirmed during a recent board meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, could unlock lucrative avenues for Thailand in the realms of international tournaments and sports-driven tourism, according to local media coverage. The meeting also included the participation of Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong, SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee, and several other high-ranking officials. Alongside poker, American football was also officially granted sporting status.

SAT clarified in its announcement that while poker is widely recognized for its connections to gambling, the organization is acknowledging the card game purely as a mind sport. The agency underscored poker’s global popularity and its accessibility across cultures and regions, noting that the game requires mental stamina, strategic thinking, and psychological control. These traits, SAT said, are consistent with the core competencies seen in many internationally accepted competitive sports.

The governing body expressed confidence that poker’s new status could help attract not only participants but also large audiences for events hosted within Thailand. Officials anticipate that regional and international tournaments could serve as a magnet for visitors, thereby energizing the country’s sports tourism industry and generating financial gains in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and event sponsorship.

In an official statement, the SAT noted, “The decision could generate income for athletes and help position Thailand as a global sports tourism hub.” However, the agency issued a cautionary note, stressing that all poker-related activities must remain squarely within the bounds of sportsmanship and not be associated with gambling operations.

Poker’s recognition is part of a broader trend toward diversifying the sporting landscape in Thailand. The same SAT board meeting also granted official status to American football, a move that mirrors growing global acceptance of the sport. Recent milestones include recognition by SportAccord and the International Olympic Committee, as well as the sport’s inclusion as one of the five new disciplines set to debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Thailand has already made strides in American football on the international stage. The men’s national flag football team is currently ranked fifth in the world and previously took home a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Beach Games hosted in Phuket. The SAT's latest announcement reflects Thailand's broader ambitions to enhance its profile in emerging sports and position itself as a central hub for regional and global sporting events.

By fLEXI tEAM