Poker tournaments gain popularity in Bangkok

Despite gambling being illegal across Thailand, Bangkok is increasingly considered as a world hub for professionals earning enough income and living the good (that is, relatively cheap) life. Like digital nomads or other online entrepreneurs, poker professionals continue to settle in Bangkok and other coastal cities for the exact same reasons.

According to media reports from 2022, moving to Thailand as a new home base to play poker for a living is à la mode amongst the international professional poker-loving community. The growing number of Europeans and North Americans moving to the country in Asia has led to a boost in both online poker and live poker tournaments taking place in the country. Whilst not per se legalised, live tournaments have become common, particularly in Bangkok.

Influx Of Poker Pros

Especially American pro players have opted for Thailand because there are still very few US states where online poker for money is available whilst they have the flexibility to play in their new home country, despite the absence of a legal frame. For professional players, whether in digital or live settings, turning poker into a full-time job pays off, enjoying a low cost of living and a tropical landscape that is well connected through the 39 commercial airports. Bangkok also provides easy access to other Southeast Asian countries which allows poker players to connect via live poker tournaments, including Cambodia and Vietnam.

Whilst other countries serve as a potential place of relocation, it is the country of Thailand that allows them to play thousands of poker hands per month and enjoy high internet speeds, common in Bangkok and other mid to big-sized cities in our nation. Those who prefer traditional settings have the chance to combine this with other recreational activities in the country giving them both “pleasure in business” at once.

Still, the legal frame of live and online poker remains difficult to define, as local laws do not yet allow any online gambling activities in Thai baht. The current rules are written in such a way that they limit how much Thai players can lose at most, leaving too much room for interpretation. Currently, other forms of gambling than betting on horse racing or the Thai lottery, is not allowed in our country. No laws exist with regard to playing in foreign currency such as the American dollar, the Euro, the Australian dollar, or New Zealand dollar.

Exclusive Poker Communities

At the same time, the number of credible casino websites aimed at local Thai players seems to grow but still falls into a grey area. Expat poker players are now known for bundling their forces, and setting up exclusive communities. This is done by frequently coming together, and sometimes even living together in what is referred to as “poker houses”. There have been growing reports of international poker enthusiasts taking over complete apartment blocks. In digital settings, forums are alive and kicking, sharing useful information such as tips and tricks ranging from guides for proven poker strategies to tips about getting the most out of local Thai life.

Because poker is not regulated in Thailand, the country doesn’t fully benefit from the surging popularity of poker tournaments in Bangkok and other cities. It also faces challenges in other legal fields. Although no official figures have been published of the exact share of international poker players not holding the required work or even tourist visas to live in the country, it is assumed that the numbers are significant. Interestingly, It’s not unlikely that a number of those heading elsewhere or back to their home countries have local partners and possibly even families who are not allowed to join them in Europe, Oceania, or North America due to immigration and financial rules.

Thailand’s Future Challenges

Games of chance on the whole in Thailand are experiencing a lot of growth which has to do with changing customer preferences and economic factors. Customer needs around the world have moved towards online gambling platforms which is true for Thai players as well. It won’t come as a surprise that younger generations have increasingly opted for newer, online experiences. Market trends show that online gambling platforms have been successful in constantly evolving to provide an interactive and complete user experience. This includes the introduction of live dealer poker in recent years and the adoption of mobile apps. Future challenges for Thailand therefore await in either regulating live poker, online gambling, or both. Although there are many challenges the government has to deal with, trying to get the most out of poker can be a very lucrative move if authorities decide to move ahead.