Poker in Indonesia: Live, Cashgames, Tournaments
Poker in Indonesia
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago renowned for its stunning beaches and biodiverse rainforests, has a complex relationship with poker and gambling in general. Despite strict national laws prohibiting gambling, poker has still found its place in the hearts of many Indonesians, flourishing in underground scenes and digital spaces.
Legal notice: Is it legal to play poker Indonesia ?
Is Poker a Game of Chance?
In Indonesia, poker is primarily viewed as a game of chance rather than a game of skill. The country's laws, rooted in Islamic principles, prohibit gambling, including games of chance. The interpretation of poker as a game of chance means it falls under this prohibition.
Poker in Public Places in Indonesia
Due to the strict gambling prohibition, playing poker in public places is not allowed in Indonesia. However, underground poker games do exist, though they are illegal and participants risk significant penalties if caught by authorities.
Conclusion
While poker itself isn't illegal, the act of gambling is, and thus poker games involving stakes are prohibited in Indonesia. Players seeking a poker experience are recommended to tread carefully due to these legal considerations.
Cashgames: Real money poker games in Indonesia
Cash games, given the laws against gambling, are not officially permitted in Indonesia. Despite this, some illegal underground poker games do take place, although participation involves significant risk.
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Natural8Cash Games
- Online
- NLH
- PLO
Limits$0.01/ $0.02
up to $200/$500Players5032 -
GGPokerCash Games
- Online
- NLH
- PLO
Limits$0.01/ $0.02
up to $300/$600Players5421 -
WPT GlobalCash Games
- Online
- NLH
- PLO
Limits$0.01/ $0.02
up to $30/$60Players845 -
CoinPokerCash Games
- Online
- NLH
- PLO
Limits$0.05/ $0.10
up to $1,000/$2,000Players718
Poker tournaments in Indonesia
Poker tournaments are, for the most part, not held in Indonesia due to the ban on gambling. While some unofficial underground tournaments might occur, these events are risky due to their illegality.
Poker Clubs: The best poker rooms in Indonesia
Indonesia does not have any legal poker clubs due to the stringent laws against gambling. As a result, poker enthusiasts usually turn to underground games or online platforms to satiate their love for the game.
Live poker in casinos near by Indonesia
Indonesia has strict laws against gambling, which means there are no licensed casinos within the country where live poker games can take place. This situation has led to the growth of illegal gambling dens, which operate covertly and are frequently targeted by law enforcement agencies.
Best Poker Players from Indonesia
The following list shows you the Top 10 poker players with the highest tournament winnings from Indonesia.-
1. Michael Sampoerna
USD 307,660.00 -
2. Ferdinand Putra
USD 271,067.00 -
3. Alfie Poetra
USD 270,205.00 -
4. Sandhy Rafael Sitepu
USD 191,683.00 -
5. Anton Widjaya
USD 175,655.00 -
6. Fabien Parisel
USD 156,017.00 -
7. Jhon Hendri
USD 143,551.00 -
8. Satrya Teja
USD 81,284.00 -
9. Charles Lesmana
USD 57,303.00 -
10. Sammy Bolung
USD 38,767.00
Homegames: Pokern for real money in Indonesia in private locations
Home games fall under the same legal restrictions as other forms of poker in Indonesia. While they might occur in private, they are technically illegal if they involve gambling, and participants could face severe penalties if caught.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Poker in Indonesia
Is poker legal in Indonesia?
Poker itself isn't illegal in Indonesia, but any form of gambling, including poker games for stakes, is prohibited by law.
Where can I play poker in Indonesia?
Due to legal restrictions, options for playing poker in Indonesia are limited and mainly confined to underground games or online platforms.
Are there poker tournaments in Indonesia?
Due to the gambling ban, official poker tournaments aren't held in Indonesia. Some underground events might occur, but participation is risky due to their illegality.
Can I play online poker in Indonesia?
Online poker is a popular option for Indonesian players, despite government efforts to block access to foreign online gambling sites. Many players use VPNs to access these sites, though they should be aware of the potential risks involved.
Are home poker games legal in Indonesia?
Home poker games are technically illegal in Indonesia if they involve gambling. While they might occur in private, participants risk serious penalties if discovered.
What is the minimum age to play poker in Indonesia?
As all forms of gambling are illegal in Indonesia, there is no legal age for poker. However, most online platforms that accept Indonesian players require them to be at least 18 years old.
What types of poker games are popular in Indonesia?
Online platforms that serve Indonesian players usually offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
Are there poker clubs in Indonesia?
There are no legal poker clubs in Indonesia due to the country's strict laws against gambling.
Is poker a game of skill or chance in Indonesia?
Poker in Indonesia is primarily seen as a game of chance, leading it to be classified as gambling, which is prohibited by law.
What is the future of poker in Indonesia?
While gambling laws remain strict, the popularity of poker continues to grow in Indonesia, particularly online. This trend suggests that the poker scene will continue to thrive in digital spaces, despite the legal constraints.
The best Online Poker Rooms in comparison
Online poker provides an alternative for Indonesian poker enthusiasts. While the government has taken measures to block some foreign online gambling sites, a number of them still accept Indonesian players. Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), local players can access these platforms and participate in various poker games. It's important, however, for players to understand the associated risks and to consider their online safety and security when playing poker online.