The Thailand Sports Authority‘s (SAT) decision to officially recognise poker as a sport has fuelled speculation that the country’s integrated resorts bill could be back on the table.

It’s a decision that opens up the possibility for international tournaments to be held in the country was taken during a SAT meeting held last week by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.

It is hoped that the move will boost tourism to Thailand through the hosting of tournaments, beginning with the World Poker Tour Prime Thailand Exhibition, which will be held between 1 and 5 August.

Hundreds of international poker players, as well as a large number of fans, are expected to travel to Thailand to compete in the event, which is offering a guaranteed prize pool of THB37m (£850,112).

A ray of hope for casinos

The decision to recognise poker as a sport comes in a month that also signalled the end of the Integrated Resorts bill, which was set to bring casinos to the country.

Progress for the bill stalled as its biggest supporter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, became embroiled in a fight to retain her leadership as she was suspended following the emergence of a leaked phone call in which she appeared to criticise the actions of the Thai army in its continued border dispute with Cambodia.

Despite apologising for her actions, thousands of protestors gathered in Bangkok to call for her resignation, and the Bhumjaithai Party also withdrew from Shinawatra’s coalition Government, leaving her with a razor-thin majority.

Alongside this, dissent for the bill began to increase from those against the legalisation of entertainment complexes and casinos, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of the bill. 

However, the recognition of poker, a vital part of the makeup of casinos, as well as news of a ceasefire in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, may offer a glimmer of hope for those who still believe in the future of the Integrated Resorts bill.

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