Poker is one of the most popular casino card games today. With the rise of digital technologies and the Internet, online poker has become a convenient alternative for enthusiastic players and gamblers.
According to a market report from Research and Markets, the global online poker market is expected to reach an estimated $193.8 billion by 2030. Some of the factors associated with this growth include increased Internet penetration and smartphone usage. Today, more and more players prefer mobile-friendly poker games and services thanks to their accessibility, engagement, and convenience.
Other factors impacting the market growth include the rise of cryptocurrency and Blockchain, as well as growing regulatory developments. In the US, for example, there has been a growing focus on further legalization and regulation of online poker in different jurisdictions.
At the same time, online poker providers are committed to promoting responsible gambling and innovative features for players looking for new experiences and a chance to win big payouts. Part of the marketing for online poker includes different promotions and ambassadorship deals, making the game more accessible and attractive to players around the world.
Promotions and Ambassadorship Deals
One of the factors contributing to the current online poker boom is the active promotions and ambassadorship deals from online poker rooms and providers.
In a previous post on how to play poker and win real money, we discussed the story of Chris Moneymaker, most known for winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 2003 after qualifying through an $86 satellite tournament. Moneymaker ended up taking home $2.5 million, inspiring many aspiring poker players around the world.
Today, Moneymaker is the face of the leading online poker provider ACR Poker as an ACR Pro. A picture of Moneymaker, and his iconic WSOP achievement, is on the site’s homepage, where users can easily sign up and play “Big Poker” by joining high-stakes tournaments. ACR Poker has repeatedly stated its aim to find “the new Moneymaker” and hosts satellite tournaments like the Punta del Este satellites for a chance to play at the $1 million GTD Main Event in Uruguay. Other online poker sites also sign poker pros, players, and content creators to help spread the word about online poker around the world.
The Rise of Crypto
Aside from promotions and ambassadorship deals, the continued popularity of online poker is also due in part to the rise of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. In a 2024 study on crypto user demographics, researchers found that most crypto users come from the 25-35 age group (37%), while older users between ages 35 and 34 account for only 27.3%. Researchers also noted that crypto users were mainly men below the age of 45, with a monthly income of over $3,000.
These findings coincide with recent studies indicating that the main demographic of online poker players belongs to the 35-54 age group, which makes up 44% of the total player base. This is closely followed by players younger than 34, who account for 43% of the player base.
As online poker players become more tech-inclined and have higher disposable incomes, cryptocurrency use becomes even more popular. Unsurprisingly, this shift in preferred payment methods translates well into online poker and casinos. Today, more and more online poker providers support crypto payments to meet this rising demographic.
Legislations and Regulations
Finally, increased initiatives and movements to legalize and regulate online poker throughout the US contribute significantly to the rapid growth of online poker. Currently, only eight states have legalized and regulated online poker. These are: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, and Rhode Island.
Still, this doesn’t mean players outside of the state can’t enjoy online poker. Many states and jurisdictions have poker laws and legislative efforts in the works. This includes Florida, where offshore online poker platforms are popular. Meanwhile, poker enthusiasts in states like New York and California have seen new legislative efforts making online poker more accessible.
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