Thailand’s Sports Authority (SAT) has officially recognized poker as a sport. This move could open the door to new revenue streams from international tournaments and sports tourism, according to local media reports.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) confirmed the decision at a recent board meeting. The session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and included Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong, SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee, and other senior officials. In addition to poker, the board also granted official sporting status to American football.
SAT’s announcement emphasized that poker, while widely known for its association with gambling, is being acknowledged strictly as a mind sport. The agency highlighted poker’s popularity and accessibility worldwide, noting that the game demands a high degree of mental acuity, psychological resilience, and analytical skills—key attributes that align it with other competitive sports.
Officials expressed optimism that recognizing poker as a sport could attract both players and spectators to Thailand for local, regional, and international events. Such tournaments could, in turn, stimulate the country’s sports tourism sector and bring economic benefits through travel, hospitality, and sponsorships.
“The decision could generate income for athletes and help position Thailand as a global sports tourism hub,” SAT said in a statement. However, it also issued a clear warning that poker activities must be conducted strictly within the scope of sportsmanship, not gambling.
The inclusion of American football also follows international trends. The sport recently received recognition from SportAccord and the International Olympic Committee and has been selected as one of the five new disciplines for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Thailand’s men’s national flag football team currently ranks 5th globally and previously won gold at the 2014 Asian Beach Games held in Phuket.
