Thailand: Interior Minister Approves Legalisation of Poker for International Tournaments
Tuesday 05 de August 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Bangkok).- Phumtham, currently serving as Acting Prime Minister, stated that the legalisation of poker is a sensitive matter that demands careful consideration within the appropriate legal framework. He acknowledged that although poker is increasingly recognised as a sport on the international stage, any steps toward legalising it must be supported by thorough legal procedures and safeguards.
There are still legal obstacles that must be reviewed. If poker is to be classified as a sport, we need strict oversight. What is appropriate should be allowed, and what isn’t must be clearly prohibited, he said.
Phumtham confirmed he has already signed an order to lift the ban on poker but stressed that the legalisation is not yet permanent. A regulatory framework must still be established before the game can be formally allowed.
When asked whether he had any concerns, Phumtham said he was not worried. On the issue of gambling addiction, he pointed out that poker has long been regarded by many international and domestic sports bodies as a competitive sport.
As a sport, poker should be allowed to thrive and be played competitively. However, to ensure propriety, it should be permitted under specific conditions and implemented swiftly, he said.
He added that a committee would be set up to oversee necessary legal amendments and ensure that regulation is enforced properly. While poker has been unlocked legally, other gambling-related activities will remain under control.
According to the Interior Ministry’s order, the existing rules governing permission for poker were deemed outdated and inconsistent with the current context.
Exercising authority under Section 17 of the Gambling Act BE 2478 (1935), the Minister revoked the previous Interior Ministry directive dated July 28, 1958, which had imposed strict conditions on poker games. The new directive came into effect on July 30, 2025.
Categoría:Poker
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
Peru Gaming Show 2025
18 de June 2025
Facephi presented its digital identity verification solutions for the online gaming sector in Peru at PGS 2025
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Facephi is consolidating its position as a strategic partner for responsible online gaming in Peru, presenting advanced identity verification, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance solutions at PGS 2025, adapted to an increasingly digital and demanding ecosystem. In this interview, Bruno Rafael Rivadeneyra Sánchez, the firm's Identity Solutions Senior Manager, explores how its technology is redefining gaming security standards, with a preventative, seamless, and 100% regional approach.
Friday 18 Jul 2025 / 12:00
From PGS 2025, Win Systems Redoubles its Commitment to Peru: Innovation, Proximity, and Regional Expansion
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- In a revealing interview, Galy Olazo, Country Manager of Win Systems in Peru, analyzes the company's strategic role in one of the most thriving markets in the region. Its participation in the PGS 2025 trade show not only left its mark with its technological advances, such as the new Gold Club Colors electronic roulette wheels and the WIGOS management system, but also reaffirmed its commitment to the transformation of the sector and its consolidation in Latin America.
Tuesday 15 Jul 2025 / 12:00
Key debate during PGS 2025: Enforcement: Process to ensure compliance (laws, norms, rules)
(Lima, SoloAzar Exclusive).- During the 2025 edition of the Peru Gaming Show, the conference ‘Enforcement: Process to ensure compliance (laws, norms, rules)’ took place, with an international panel of professionals who debated about the current challenges to combat illegal gaming and guarantee the application of the laws in the sector, both in Peru and in the Latam region.
Monday 14 Jul 2025 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.