In a significant turn of events propelled by persistent efforts led by the National Sports Poker Federation of Chile (FNP), the landscape for poker tournaments and skill-based games has undergone a profound transformation. Breaking free from the clutches of the Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ), these events now find themselves liberated to flourish within a structured sporting framework, paving the way for poker’s official recognition as a cerebral sport.
Chile takes a cue from Brazil, elevating poker to mental sport status
It was persuasively argued before relevant authorities that poker, particularly in its Texas Hold’em variant, transcends mere chance, with player skill emerging as the pivotal factor in determining long-term tournament outcomes.
Felipe Morbiducci (president of FNP), backed by the Federation’s board of directors and legal advisors, navigated the conversation around the athletic essence of poker tournaments. They emphasized the intricate mental prowess inherent in these competitions, asserting its divergence from the regulatory scope of establishments overseen by the SCJ.
Drawing parallels with legal precedents in Brazil, Morbiducci and his team presented compelling evidence, including expert testimonies and jurisprudential references. These efforts culminated in a significant shift, freeing tournaments where player skill reigns supreme from SCJ oversight. Consequently, these events will no longer be confined to the walls of casinos but will thrive within a dedicated sporting environment, marking a watershed moment for poker’s acknowledgment as a mental sport in Chile.
This pivotal transition marked a historic milestone for Chilean sports poker, epitomized by the recent inaugural series held outside the confines of SCJ-controlled casinos. Hosted under the auspices of the Enjoy Poker League (EPL), the event unfolded at the Enjoy Hotel & Resort in Santiago, providing players with an ideal setting conducive to honing their skills amidst distractions absent in traditional casino settings.
In the midst of negotiations between the National Sports Poker Federation of Chile (FNP) and the SCJ, Enjoy emerged as the sole venue in Santiago authorized to host such events. Acknowledging the incongruity of sports poker within its regulatory domain, the SCJ paved the way for an autonomous sporting trajectory for the discipline.
Morbiducci hailed these developments as a monumental victory, envisioning a bright future for poker as a recognized mental sport in Chile. He expressed optimism, stating, “This marks a significant step towards nurturing the growth of poker as an intellectual pursuit in Chile.” The poker community eagerly awaits further developments in this transformative journey, both within Chile and across Latin America.
The World Poker Federation congratulates Felipe Morbiducci and the National Sports Poker Federation of Chile for their outstanding efforts in pushing for the acknowledgment of poker as a mental sport in Chile.
