Poker Industry
Over the decades, poker has become one of the most popular card games in the world. As poker has grown, the general perspective of it has changed. From once being considered just another form of gambling, it is now defined as a sport both in the traditional definition and as part of the Mind Sports Olympiad. The improved perception of this game has allowed for many players to turn playing poker into a career.
Poker, no different than any other sport, requires training, practice, the proper mindset, good mental health and analytical skills for decision-making. Becoming a world-class player in Texas Holdem Poker or any other poker games, and competing on the biggest stage, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), is a goal for many aspiring poker athletes. The prizes for the WSOP events regularly reach into the millions with the winners being awarded the biggest portion of the prize pool and a coveted gold bracelet.
BE THE LAST REMAINING PLAYER – PLAY MONEY TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER
Gambling with Poker
With most poker games being accepted into general culture as a sport, many countries chose to legalize, regulate and tax the games. However, there are still many countries that, unfortunately, consider a poker game, whether you play in a live poker game or prefer online poker games, a luck-based form of gaming, despite all evidence to the contrary. While many sports are affected by some form of luck – such as getting a good bounce in any sport with a ball – the anti-gambling countries still view poker, because it is associated with gambling, as a game that is based purely on luck. As such they treat poker as an illegal activity. The fact is that while learning to play poker does not take much time, to become good, let’s just say that poker is a card game that requires practice to develop the skills necessary to compete. Regardless of the opinions of the anti-poker countries, any poker game is all about Mathematics, which is why there are so many theories and courses offered at many locations on the subject.
Poker Industry in Thailand
One of the many countries that does not recognize poker as a sport is Thailand. Although there are no specific local laws that prohibit the playing of poker, gambling is illegal as is having more than 120 cards – as per the Playing Card Act passed in 1943. So while Texas Hold’em Poker and poker games both with and without community cards are not specifically illegal, there are enough restrictions to make playing poker online or live, illegal. And in almost all cases where people are caught playing poker, especially offline poker, people are prosecuted. Even with all of these restrictions, there are still some underground (illegal) poker rooms in Thailand where poker is commonly played, but the cost of being found in one can be a fine or even one year in jail. It is because of these penalties that most poker players in Thailand play online poker instead of going to a poker room.
Even with the restrictions on playing poker, Thailand has become a popular location for foreigners to move to and play online poker without being blocked. Regardless of the legalities, the cost of living in Thailand is so incredibly low, when compared to European countries or the Americas, that these players have determined it is worth the risk to face up to the potential penalties. This is part of the reason you will see so many players with the Thai flag beside their avatar on GGPoker and on some other online poker sites when playing Texas Hold’em Poker and other classic games.
Playing Poker in Thailand
Previously, playing a poker game in Thailand was quite difficult due to the legal status of the game, making the risk of playing live poker extremely high. However, over the past few years, online poker applications have become more readily available which has made poker more accessible to the entire population. From this, the popularity of poker in Thailand has steadily increased, as has the availability of poker games. Another addition that has come from the resurgence of poker is the growth of poker clubs which gather to study the the basic rules of the game and the more advanced strategies.
Poker Growth
Presently, poker is growing exponentially in Thailand. Poker is viewed as an investment game, like investing in the stock market or real estate, by the players in Thailand. As a benefit to poker, unlike market investments, you do not need a large capital investment to begin which is one of the reasons it is experiencing a growth surge in all poker variants.
Being a successful poker player takes education, money management skills, a good mental outlook, proper physical condition, practice, analysis and review to be able to play and have positive long-term outcomes. The widespread growth of poker clubs and study groups dedicated to teaching people has likewise increased in Thailand. Poker has the additional charm of allowing you to go all in with your mind. Although the game is significantly different, a poker game is quite like chess. The game, although simple to learn, is much more complicated and elegant than it appears, and there is no fixed method that will guarantee you a win all of the time.
The Future of Poker in Thailand
Sadly, any poker game is still viewed as gambling in Thailand; however, the Thai people have started to change their opinions. The movement is also partially backed by some famous Thai’s and other successful poker players, including a few influential people in the media. And while this push to the future has taken a few steps in the right direction, it is not viewed in the same was as a mind sport. The hope is that one day the will go all in on poker and it will be viewed as a sport in Thailand, but until the laws are changed, those of us here will do our best to stay safe while we play online.
About the Author: Jinwoonon graduated from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok in 2014 with a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Technology. Currently working as an assistant teacher specializing in Mathematics, Jinwoonon enjoys spending time using mathematics to contribute to the advancement of poker strategy.
Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes cash games or the excitement of multi-table poker tournaments, GGPoker is the premier destination for poker enthusiasts. For those aiming to compete for a prestigious WSOP bracelet, push through the ranks for a WSOP Circuit ring, or simply hone their strategies in classic games or poker formats, GGPoker has something for everyone. The platform offers a seamless online poker experience, with innovative features like Smart HUD, PokerCraft, and integrated staking, designed to elevate your game. Whether you’re grinding your way up in daily cash games or competing for life-changing prizes in major online series, GGPoker provides the best environment to play, improve your poker skills, and succeed in the world of online poker. And if you are not sure where to start, you can always play free poker games and learn at the GGPoker School and find your winning hand.