On July 23, 2025, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) officially recognized poker as a mind sport. Approved during a meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the decision marks a significant leap in the global movement to establish poker as a legitimate mental discipline. It reinforces the efforts led by the World Poker Federation (WPF) to position poker as a structured and respected sport worldwide.
With this recognition, Thailand joins a growing list of nations treating poker as a game of skill, strategy, and emotional control. For the WPF, which has been leading this movement across continents, this is a major step forward that strengthens poker’s global status and opens real opportunities for federations, events, and professional structures throughout Asia.
A Decision with Regional and Global Impact
The approval allows the formation of official poker associations in Thailand and aligns with the country’s plan to become a regional hub for tournaments, education, and industry development. The SAT defined poker as a discipline based on logical analysis, psychological control, and strategic skill.
Just days after the recognition, from July 30 to August 5, Thailand is hosting WPT Prime Thailand, one of the region’s most important events. To support the tournament, the government partnered with international poker institutions to conduct a national dealer certification program in May, training 100 professionals to international standards. It’s a sign of serious commitment to developing poker as a mind sport.
This move is part of a broader shift in Asia. Several countries in the region have been exploring ways to regulate and promote poker in an institutional context. The WPF has worked closely with local stakeholders to support this evolution and provide the necessary framework for growth, always centered on education, standardization, and long-term development.
What Comes Next for Thailand
This recognition opens a new chapter in the country’s sporting ecosystem. With poker now treated as an official mind sport, Thailand can host events under formal structures, attract international tourism, and generate local economic development. It also creates new opportunities for professionals in arbitration, tournament operations, and poker education. Most importantly, it positions Thailand as a model for other countries in Southeast Asia.
“When a country takes a bold step like this, it reshapes how poker is perceived not only within its borders, but across the entire region. Thailand is now in a unique position to lead by example,” said Roberto Lifschitz, Director of Marketing at the WPF.
What Comes Next for the WPF
For the World Poker Federation, Thailand’s decision confirms that the global shift is gaining momentum. With more than 50 national federations across five continents, and following the recent recognition of poker by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), the WPF continues to focus on building the infrastructure that every real sport demands: standardized rules, professional pathways, legal protections, and international competitions.
In July, the WPF hosted the TDA + WPF Poker Summit: Asia Edition in Taiwan, bringing together over 70 tournament directors and industry leaders for a full day of technical discussion on tournament rules and best practices. Events like this exemplify our commitment to creating a unified global structure for poker, grounded in transparency, fairness, and professionalism.
“Thailand saw poker for what it truly is: an intellectual discipline practiced by millions of people in a serious, competitive, and strategic way. What we’re witnessing is the confirmation that our global mission is working. This decision inspires others and sets a benchmark for countries across Asia and beyond,” said Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of the WPF.
With more nations advancing and local ecosystems forming, poker is now fully integrated into the global sports landscape as a structured, respected, and truly international mind sport.