Poker might be one of the most instantly recognizable card games in the world, with versions of the game found all around the world.
Picture a game of poker, and you might think of gangsters in the back room of a bar or sharks playing on the big money tables in Vegas – and while that is still part of the poker world, it is also true that online poker has taken off in a big way.
Online poker has come a long way since the early days of the internet, and there are many reasons why the growth of the game is set to continue – not least because it is a relatively simple game to learn and a surprisingly tough game to master.
There is a good reason that the top poker tournaments pay out millions of dollars; and over the last three or so decades, it could be said that it is the possibility of anyone winning that makes it so attractive.
Early Online Poker
While the internet was just starting to become something more than some sci-fi idea, there were developers who were determined to make the most of this modern technology – so it is no surprise that the earliest card rooms hark back to the early days of the world wide web. In 1997, you might not have been able to do much on the internet, but you could play a game of cards.
It was on January 1st, 1998, that the first online real money poker game was played, hosted by Planet-Poker and supported by Mike “The Mad Genius of Poker” Caro. This success led to other companies jumping on the bandwagon, and in the early 2000s, Paradise Poker became the biggest name in the game.
At this time, the most popular games included Limit Texas Hold’Em, 7 Card Stud, and Omaha Hi/Lo.
Players had to deal with slow connections, frequently crashing games, and overcrowded servers – so it could end up being a painful experience.
The Impact of WSOP
It cannot be denied that one of the biggest reasons that poker grew as it has done is what is known as ‘the Moneymaker effect.’ In 2003, the unknown poker player Chris Moneymaker qualified for the WSOP main event from a $40 satellite event and went on to net himself $2.5 million.
This rags-to-riches underdog tale ignited some passion in the world and is one of the reasons that international poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker started to feature on television, being broadcast around the world.
TV coverage and the fascination we have with celebrities then created some of the biggest personalities in poker, such as Phil Hellmuth Jr, Phil Ivey, and Daniel Negreanu, becoming practically household names.
While not every poker player makes it to the main event, local physical tournaments and global online events prove almost every day that poker is something you can play to win – and even go professional. Of course, the key to making a living through poker is practice, practice, practice.
So those with serious aspirations are likely to rack up the hours playing online poker to save themselves hours sat in a dark casino; playing online also provides players with the chance to play for very low stakes and even for free so they can test strategies without the pressure of losing huge sums.
What will the Growth of Poker Look Like?
While it is hard to nail down the exact figures, statisticians report that poker was valued at about $59.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach 155.4bm by 2030 – a growth rate of 11%.
Online poker sites are vying for inexperienced players, using bonuses, promotions, and loyalty schemes to become the biggest player in the market – and that can only benefit the online poker player.
What is happening now, however, is that the demographic of online poker players is shifting a bit – players are becoming younger, for a start, and they are more likely to come from Europe than from the US.
This fact is surprising when you consider that in the early 2000s, more than 90% of online poker players were American – but thanks to crackdowns on gambling laws and the difficulty for online gaming sites to gain licenses in various states, it becomes unsurprising.
What is Driving Recent Growth?
Aside from the obvious celebrity endorsements and the chance to win, there are several innovative technologies that are credited with making the poker experience better – and encouraging growth.
- Smartphones: More than two-thirds of the world’s population now use a mobile phone, and internet penetration is growing. This ease of access gives more players the opportunity to get involved and start playing – and online poker operators are taking advantage of this by focusing on creating a streamlined experience across PC and mobile.
- Blockchain (and crypto): While the crypto casino market might not really have a foothold in the world of online poker, it cannot be denied that the innovation of blockchain is making an enormous difference. Transactions can take place faster, fairness can be proven on the ledger, and there is an opportunity for safer and more secure games that players will enjoy.
- Live games: Nothing beats the rush of being in a casino (or even a smoky back room) and playing a few hands, and online poker sites are making this more of a reality through live games. Dealers are filmed in real-time, and their actions are streamed to players around the globe, making for a more immersive experience.
Given the diverse regulations governing online casino establishments globally, adhering to local laws is imperative when indulging in the thrill of gambling.