Thai PM Likely to Remove Poker’s Status as Sport, Reclassify It as Gambling

The new Thai government is set to overturn the previous administration’s recent decision to recognize poker as a sport, restoring a 1958 decree that classifies poker as a form of gambling.

In late July this year, the country’s former interim Prime Minister signed an order that designated international poker tournaments as sporting events.

The July order maintained bans on private poker tournaments, as well as online poker platforms.

But the new Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said that he “opposes gambling as a way to stimulate the economy,” the Thai media outlet ThaiRATH reported on September 10.

Thai Poker U-turn Coming?

The PM suggested that a final decision on poker legality would not be forthcoming until he completes his restructuring plan of the Interior Ministry. But he hinted that a review of poker’s legal status was high on his agenda.

Anutin did not commit himself to a reversal. But, during a Wednesday meeting, he reminded Bhumjaithai Party officials of his previous stance on poker.

Anutin explained that he had opposed the classification of poker as a sport while serving as a cabinet minister. The PM stepped down from his ministerial post in June following the de facto collapse of the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition.

Reporters asked him to clarify his stance on poker, but Anutin replied that he had “already given a clear answer.” He added that the decision to award poker sports status was presented to him as a fait accompli two days after he left his cabinet post.

Anutin said he did not know “who to ask” about the matter, as he “no longer had responsibility” for such issues. He claimed that he would speak to “those responsible for making the changes” before commenting further on the issue.

Gambling Not a Valid Economic Driver, Says PM

Anutin is an outspoken critic of pro-gambling reforms. In May, while serving as Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, he called for the government to hold a referendum on former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s plans to build integrated casino-resorts in the country.

Paetongtarn had championed progressive casino regulations, claiming they could help boost treasury revenues. Her government held meetings with top international casino operators, many of which expressed an interest in opening Bangkok-based resorts.

But Anutin’s administration appears set to take a much tougher line on gambling-related matters. Earlier this month, the Interior Ministry informed the Thai police force that claw machines are now classified as “gambling devices.”

Operators who fail to remove unregistered claw machines will face criminal prosecution, the ministry warned. Courts have been given the power to punish offenders with heavy fines and jail terms of up to two years.

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