I luoghi di poker in Thailandia
In cuore dell'Asia sudorientale, la Thailandia ha un rapporto unico con il poker, un gioco che, pur non essendo esplicitamente illegale da giocare in un contesto dal vivo, viene considerato gioco d'azzardo e quindi proibito dalla Legge thailandese sul gioco d'azzardo del 1935[1]. Questa legge limita il gioco d'azzardo al solo ippodromo e lotteria, con multe che vanno da 500 a 5.000 baht (circa $15 a $150) o fino a tre anni di prigione per gli organizzatori[1][3].
Despite the legal restrictions, the appeal of poker continues to thrive in Thailand, particularly among professional players. The bustling city of Bangkok, along with popular tourist destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, and Pattaya, are known for their underground poker games[1]. For those seeking legal options, casinos near Thailand's borders with Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar offer gambling, providing an alternative for enthusiasts[1].
One such poker club, Red King Poker Club, located at 23/285 Bontji Moo 4, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, has been a popular destination for poker players. Offering both cash games and tournaments in Texas Hold'em and Omaha, Red King Poker Club also provides complimentary food and drinks to its visitors[2]. However, it appears that Red King Poker Club is currently closed[4].
Another professional poker club, Titan Poker Club Bangkok, offers cash games in No Limit Hold'em (NLH) and Pot Limit Omaha 5 (PLO). Registration at Titan Poker Club offers perks such as complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off, free daily transportation services, access to a full-range in-house spa, premium food and beverages, and a complimentary one-night hotel stay for walk-in customers[5].
Meanwhile, Bophut Poker Club, known for its no smoking rule at the tables and a designated smoking area for customers, offers tournaments and cash games in Hold'em and PLO, with rebuy and add-on options available[6]. Cash games at Bophut Poker Club include various poker variants, although specific details were not provided in the available information[6].
For tourists and enthusiasts, the legal landscape of poker in Thailand presents a challenge. Online poker is illegal in Thailand, carrying fines if caught[3]. Given this, participating in special events like the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Thailand, which marked an official, albeit unusual, live poker tournament in the country[5], or visiting nearby countries with legal casinos might be attractive alternatives.
In conclusion, while the legal landscape for live poker in Thailand is complex, the passion for the game remains strong. Underground games continue to thrive, and some clubs, like Red King Poker Club and Titan Poker Club Bangkok, offer a taste of the excitement for those who dare to play. However, it is crucial to remember that all forms of gambling, including poker, are illegal in Thailand, except for horse racing and the lottery.
