Thailand expands legal betting options, are esports up next?

Thailand has formally legalized poker betting, marking an necessary step in direction of esports betting legality.

On July 29, 2025, the Sports activities Authority of Thailand formally acknowledged poker as a aggressive sport beneath the federal government’s official definition. This reclassification legalizes poker as a betting exercise beneath Thai legislation, and gamers can guess on video games they’re taking part in. That is the primary time the Sports activities Authority of Thailand has added a non-traditional sport to its authorized betting listing, and due to this fact units a precedent for esports.

Thai publication The Commonplace first reported on the story on July 29. The Thailand Poker Affiliation hosted a press convention to have a good time, which additionally included plans for the primary real-money poker match in Thai historical past. President of the Thailand Poker Affiliation Latthasanya Piensomphan cited the efficiency of Thai poker gamers as a significant affect. Thai participant Punnat Punsri is taken into account probably the greatest gamers on the planet, and his fame might have helped affect authorities coverage.

Is esports betting authorized in Thailand?

Esports betting will not be authorized in Thailand as of 2025, however the current legalization of poker betting might assist pave the way in which for the long run.

The Playing Act of 1935 severely restricts betting in Thailand. The one authorized types of betting are the government-regulated lottery and horse racing. Even conventional sports activities betting is illegitimate. No matter legal guidelines, many Thai residents are nonetheless in a position to make use of overseas betting websites to gamble on conventional sports activities, esports, and on line casino video games.

The Thailand Poker Affiliation cited Punnat Punsri’s peformance in worldwide poker competitors as a potential affect on the legislation. If residents’ efficiency might assist legalize esports betting, Thailand has loads of stars throughout a number of titles to look to. Dota 2 icon Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong is the highest-earning gamer in Thai historical past with over $1.3 million in winnings. His former teammate Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon isn’t far behind at simply over $870,000. Thailand can also be house to a number of Free Fireplace and PUBG Cell stars similar to Chirasak “Joena” Moonsarn and Piyapon “TheCruz” Boonchuay.

With poker setting the precedent of non-traditional sports activities being honest sport, esports might quickly be on the desk for gamblers in Thailand.