23 Dec
Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, having a global player base of more than 100 million. Some people play it in online casinos, while others play it locally.
Every year, there are plenty of professional tournaments that offer millions of dollars in prize money. With so much action going on, it’s no surprise that gaming companies are trying to make poker more accessible and enjoyable than ever, especially online.
The Main Difference Between a Digital and a Physical Poker Experience
When you play poker in the physical world, at a real table, you experience the game in a completely different way because you can see who you are playing against and then use your ability to read people to your advantage.
Online poker, for the most part, lacks the psychological component and is a simplified form of the game. On the bright side, you can play at multiple tables in parallel and avoid the waiting part, which in some cases can last for what usually feels like a long time.
When you play poker just for fun, you’re less likely to care about experiencing it fully. But when you’ve paid an entry fee of $100, you will probably want to focus intensely and absorb as much information as possible.
To bridge the gap between the immersive experience of a physical casino and the experience of an online table game, companies have started to use various technologies in an attempt to enhance the latter.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been around for more than a few years. But the technological advances to make them truly viableare only starting to become popular around the world.
According to a 2023 report made by Statista, the global VR market is expected to grow from less than $30 billion to more than $57 billion in the next four years.
In 2025, VR poker platforms will become a lot more accessible, largely thanks to affordable headsets and improved hardware. Technologies like the Oculus Quest 2, HTC Vive, and their future iterations will allow players to experience online poker in a way that’s more similar to offline poker from the comfort of their homes.
The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Poker Strategie
When the latest AI tools were developed and offered to the world, one question that many poker players had was this: how can I make use of such tools to improve my win rate?
Sophisticated data-driven tools allow players to approach the game in new ways, with a deeper understanding of what can be done in every situation.
For those who cannot afford a personal poker coach, AI can do a pretty good job at analyzing gameplay and suggesting improvements. Its ability to detect patterns and weaknesses is improving. By the end of 2025, if more advancements are made, lots of new players will likely integrate some form of AI assistance into their training routine.
According to a survey from PokerStrategy, between 10% and 15% of strong online poker players use AI-powered tools or solvers in their current practice. As AI becomes more popular, that number is expected to grow significantly, even among recreational poker players.
Blockchain Technology and Poker
Blockchain technology has enabled online casinos to offer players the chance to play poker using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Such crypto tokens give players more payment options that are fast and reliable.
In areas where regulations limit player access to online poker tournaments, blockchain technology can create exciting new options. Furthermore, this technology enables the creation of provably fair games.
As a player, knowing that nobody can mess around with the deck or the payments you will receive if you finish a tournament in the money might give you more confidence in paying the entry fee.
At the moment, nearly $3.5 trillion is invested in blockchain technology. This is a huge number given that the global GDP is only $110 trillion.
Mobile Apps
The younger generation of poker players uses smartphones and tablets much more frequently than the older ones. Mobile apps are enabling such players to compete using the devices they’re most familiar with. This naturally makes them more likely to take part in tournaments.
One advantage of smartphones is that they’re always with you. When you’re at home, you may have something important to do. But if you’re on a bus, playing poker will feel less of a distraction and more of a way to enjoy yourself while you are waiting to arrive at your desired destination.
Conclusion
In 2025, gambling technologies will continue to improve. In turn, this will allow poker players to enjoy the game more easily and in more engaging ways.