Is poker legal in Taiwan?

Yes, but with specific distinctions. Tournament poker is legally classified and regulated as a “Mind Sport” in Taiwan. This allows sanctioned clubs and associations, such as the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP) , to host massive multi-table tournaments (MTTs). However, traditional “house-banked” cash games remain strictly prohibited under local law.

What are the entry requirements for international players?

To participate in any sanctioned event, international players must register for a membership with the hosting association (e.g., a CTP membership). You must present your physical original Passport for identity and age verification (players must be 18 years or older ). Most venues, including the Asia Poker Arena , use a digital membership system via a mobile app for seat assignments and chip tracking.

How are tournament winnings taxed for foreigners?

Taiwan is widely considered a tax-friendly destination for international poker travelers. For non-residents staying in Taiwan for less than 183 days , there is typically no immediate withholding tax deducted from tournament winnings by the organizers. However, players should consult with a tax professional regarding reporting requirements in their home country, as Taiwan-sourced income may still be subject to standard non-resident tax filings if certain thresholds are met.

Where are the major poker events held in Taipei?

In 2026, the two primary “battlegrounds” are the Asia Poker Arena (APA) in the Zhongshan District and Red Space in the Songshan District. The APA is a permanent 50+ table facility, while Red Space is frequently utilized for “Mega Festivals” like the APT Taipei and the APT Championship to accommodate overflow fields that often exceed several thousand entries.

What currency is used for buy-ins and payouts?

All transactions at Taiwan poker clubs are conducted in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) . While major international series like the APT may display guarantees in USD for marketing purposes, the actual buy-ins must be paid in TWD. Most venues have currency exchange services nearby, but it is recommended to use local ATMs or banks for the most competitive rates.

The Rise of Taiwan’s Poker Scene and Taiwan Poker Laws

Derick ElominaAuthor

Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2026.02.21

Taiwan has solidified its position as the premier “Mind Sports” destination in East Asia as of 2026. While many regional neighbors grapple with restrictive gaming laws, Taiwan has embraced tournament poker through a sophisticated regulatory framework. The scene is anchored by Taipei’s high-tech infrastructure and a player-friendly tax environment, attracting a massive influx of international professionals who now view the island as the most stable alternative to the shifting landscapes of Macau and the mainland.

Taiwan: The “Mind Sports” Regulatory Success

The Legal Framework: Under the guidance of the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP), poker is legally recognized as a competitive “Mind Sport.” This classification prohibits traditional cash games but allows for a massive, thriving tournament ecosystem. Entry fees are transparent, and prize pools are guaranteed, providing a professional safety net that has made Taiwan a global model for sport poker.
Taipei: The Asia Poker Epicenter: Taipei has become the high-volume hub of the region. The city’s venues, particularly the Asia Poker Arena (APA), are now the primary battlegrounds for the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) , often outperforming historical venues in terms of field sizes and logistical efficiency.
Tax Efficiency: One of Taiwan’s strongest competitive advantages in 2026 is its favorable tax treatment for tournament winnings for many international players. Unlike the US or other high-tax jurisdictions, Taiwan remains a highly profitable “home base” for the “nomadic” poker professional.

🏛️
PRIMARY HUB
Taipei City (Zhongshan)

🏙️
KEY ARENA
Asia Poker Arena (APA)

🛡️
STATUS
Legal Mind Sports Hub

Taipei’s Elite Venue Network

The infrastructure in Taipei has expanded to accommodate record-breaking fields, with dual-venue setups now common for major festivals:

Asia Poker Arena (APA): Located in the Zhongshan District, the APA is Asia’s largest permanent poker facility. Established by CTP, it features over 50 tables, professional RFID broadcasting studios, and an integrated player-management app. It serves as the spiritual home for the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT).

Red Space : A modern, high-capacity venue in the Songshan District that frequently partners with the APA to host the massive overflow fields of the APT Taipei series. In 2026, it is a critical battlefield for high-volume “Marathon” events.

Ace8 International Poker Association : Situated on the 3rd floor of the Nanjing East Road business corridor, Ace8 is a high-production venue known for its aggressive daily tournament schedules and hosting regional leagues like the International Poker League (IPL). It is a favorite for mid-stakes grinders looking for consistent action.

Dream Room (Taipei): Launched by industry veteran Winfred Yu , Dream Room offers a more exclusive, boutique experience. Located in the heart of the city, it caters to high-stakes enthusiasts with a focus on luxury amenities, dedicated livestream tables, and a vision for “high-stakes” Mind Sports that attracts the region’s most elite professionals.

2026 Key Dates & Events

Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT 19) (Jan 22 – Feb 9, 2026): The year’s opening “Mega Festival,” which saw the Main Event draw over 8,000 entries, proving the massive domestic appetite for affordable, high-guarantee poker.

Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei 2026 (April 22 – May 3, 2026): The flagship international stop of the year. Hosted at the Red Space and APA venues, it features a massive TWD 15M GTD National Cup and the highly anticipated APT Main Event.

TMT 20 “The Historic Milestone” (July 8 – August 3, 2026): A landmark 20th edition of Taiwan’s homegrown series, featuring a record-breaking $3,000,000 total guarantee at the Asia Poker Arena.

AJPC Samurai Circuit – Taiwan (May 26 – June 1, 2026): Bringing the Japanese “Samurai” poker culture to Taipei, this event highlights the strong regional bridge between Taiwan and Japan’s growing mind sports communities.

APT Championship Taipei 2026 (November 13 – 29, 2026): The undisputed climax of the 2026 Asian calendar. Closing out the season at Red Space, this elite festival features the monster $10,000 buy-in Main Event with a massive $5,000,000 guarantee, expected to be the richest tournament in Taiwan’s history.

Online Poker in Taiwan

Taiwan has officially cemented its status as the “Mind Sports Capital of Asia” in 2026. While the region maintains strict laws against traditional gambling, a sophisticated regulatory framework allows tournament poker to thrive as a sanctioned sport.

🌐 Online Poker Guide for Taiwan (2026)

Online poker in Taiwan operates in a legally complex environment. While live tournaments are celebrated, digital play is more restricted.

Legal Landscape: Amendments to Article 266 of the Criminal Code (effective since 2022) explicitly prohibit gambling via the internet or telecommunications. Authorities primarily target local operators, but individual players are technically subject to fines.
Top Platforms for Taiwan Players:
- Natural8 / GGPoker: The dominant choice in the region. Natural8 often serves as the exclusive portal for online satellites to major live events like the Asian Poker Tour (APT).
- WPT Global: Highly popular for its massive MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) guarantees and direct tie-ins with WPT Prime Taiwan stops.
- CoinPoker: A leading blockchain-based platform favored by many residents because it bypasses traditional banking friction through USDT/BTC deposits and withdrawals.
Financial Flow: Most players utilize Cryptocurrency or e-wallets. Since Taiwanese banks rarely support direct deposits to offshore sites, crypto remains the most efficient “code” for moving funds in 2026.

Best Online Poker Sites in Taiwan

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Live Poker in Taiwan

🃏 Live Poker Guide for Taiwan (2026)

Live poker is Taiwan’s specialty. Classified as a Mind Sport, it offers a professional tournament atmosphere with no traditional “house-banked” cash games.

1. Key Venues in Taipei

Asia Poker Arena (APA): The crown jewel of Asian poker. Located in the Zhongshan District, it features over 50 tables and serves as the permanent home for the CTP (Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association).
Red Space: A massive convention-style venue in the Songshan District used for “Mega Festivals” to accommodate fields that often exceed 2,000 entries.
Ace8 International Poker Association: A high-production club on Nanjing East Road known for its mid-stakes daily tournaments and international leagues.
Dream Room: A boutique, high-end lounge in Taipei focused on luxury amenities and elite invitational series.

2. Major 2026 Tournament Highlights

Event	📅 Dates (2026)	💰 Feature
PS Championship III	Feb 26 – Mar 10	TWD 60M (~$1.9M) Guaranteed
APT Taipei 2026	Apr 22 – May 3	TWD 207M (~$6.5M) Prize Pool
TMT 20 Championship	July 8 – Aug 3	$3,000,000 USD Guaranteed
APT Championship	Nov 13 – 29	$10k Buy-in / $5M Guaranteed

3. Player Requirements & Etiquette

Original Passport: You must present your physical, original passport for registration. Digital copies are strictly rejected.
Age: The legal minimum age for entry and participation is 18 years old.
No Cash Games: Under Taiwanese law, “cash games” where chips have direct cash value are illegal. Instead, venues host Sit & Go (SNG) tournaments. These operate like cash games but have a fixed end time, with results settled based on standings at the conclusion.
No Betel Nut: Chewing betel nut is strictly prohibited inside tournament venues. Violating this is grounds for immediate disqualification.

Taxation & Logistics for Foreigners

Tax Efficiency: Taiwan is highly attractive to professionals because there is generally no immediate withholding tax on tournament winnings for international tourists staying less than 183 days.

Currency: All live buy-ins are conducted in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD). For the massive $5,000,000 GTD APT Championship, players should coordinate wire transfers or currency exchanges in advance.

Google Map

Tour Guide for Taiwan

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a vibrant city renowned for its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and friendly people. It mixes modern life with traditional beauty. If you are planning a trip, here are the top five places you should visit.

Taiwan tourist attractions besides poker — There a lot to do besides playing poker in Taiwan

What are the Top Five Tourist Attractions in Taipei?

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is an impressive skyscraper that was once the world’s tallest building. You can ride one of the fastest elevators to the observation deck and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. The best time to visit this attraction is at night, as the lights are beautiful. The lower floors have many restaurants and a shopping mall.

2. National Palace Museum

This museum holds one of the largest collections of Chinese art and history in the world. Its incredible collection includes ancient paintings, jade carvings, calligraphy, and pottery. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture.

3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This large white building with a blue roof is a symbol of Taipei. It honors the former leader of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek. Visitors can watch the impressive changing of the guards every hour, while the surrounding gardens are peaceful and great for photos.

4. Shilin Night Market

No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting one of the city’s many night markets. Shilin Night Market is the most famous of all. Here, you can savor authentic Taiwanese snacks, including bubble tea, fried chicken, and stinky tofu. There are also shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and games to play.

5. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

If you enjoy hiking, Elephant Mountain is the ideal spot to experience the local nature. The climb takes about 20 minutes. From the top, you get a fantastic view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, which is beautiful at sunset.

How to Travel to Taipei from Abroad?

The most straightforward way to travel to Taipei from another country is by air. Most international visitors arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The airport is about 40 minutes from the city center, and you can take the Taoyuan Airport MRT (metro train), which is fast and easy. A taxi or airport bus is also available for those who prefer an alternative mode of transportation.

What to Do in Taipei Beyond Poker?

Taipei offers something for everyone, from modern skyscrapers and historic sites to tasty street food and natural beauty. If you are already full of your Taiwan poker experience, there is a lot to do and see in the city and all around the country. With friendly people and an easy-to-use public transport system, Taipei is a great city for travelers. Whether you come for culture, shopping, food, or adventure, Taipei will give you memories to treasure.