Análisis del póker como deporte de estrategías para su reconocimiento oficial en Colombia

Abstract

Poker, traditionally associated with games of chance, has evolved in recent decades into a recognized mind sport in several countries. This shift has been driven by research showing that success in poker depends on advanced cognitive skills such as strategic decision-making, probability calculation, and emotional control under pressure. These characteristics have led countries like Brazil and India to reevaluate the nature of poker, granting it a more prominent position within sports and cultural activities. In Brazil, the recognition of poker as a mind sport has been led by the Brazilian Confederation of Texas Hold’em (CBTH), which has not only promoted its competitive development but also positioned poker as an activity that generates economic and cultural opportunities. Meanwhile, in India, a ruling by the Madras High Court in November 2023 marked a milestone by classifying poker as a game of skill, distinguishing it from gambling and setting a crucial precedent for its regulation in the country. This decision was based on evolving jurisprudence, particularly the Indian Supreme Court’s recognition—on multiple occasions—that games largely dependent on skill and knowledge, such as poker, should not be considered games of chance. Such legal developments in India highlight the growing international recognition of poker as a legitimate discipline that requires strategic and cognitive abilities, serving as a model for other countries. In Colombia, however, poker remains regulated under Law 643 of 2001, which implicitly classifies it as a game of chance by including it under the category of "localized games" alongside activities such as roulette and blackjack, as stated in Article 34. Although the Colombian Poker Federation was recently established—with legal status granted by the Ministry of Sport—its operational structure, impact, and institutional recognition remain unclear due to limited public information, consisting mainly of its Instagram account and a non-functional website. This situation raises questions about the role this federation might play in the legalization and development of poker as a mind sport in the country. The objective of this monograph is to analyze how poker can be recognized as a mind sport in Colombia, by exploring successful cases in other countries such as Brazil and India, and by proposing strategies to address the legal, social, and cultural barriers present in the country. Through a comparative approach and the analysis of empirical studies, this work seeks to highlight poker’s potential not only as a recreational activity, but also as a sport capable of generating social, economic, and cultural value in Colombia.