How Online Poker is on the Rise in the US
Around the world, online gaming is on the rise, thanks to a perfect storm of circumstance.
That is even more evident here in the United States, where the online gaming industry is growing at a rapid rate. Business Wire suggests it could grow as much as 15.41% over the next five years, courtesy of a handful of mitigating factors.
The recent pandemic has helped drive many gamers to online providers, as opposed to physical casinos and card rooms. Some of the locations in the gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas, remain closed to this day. That has seen more customers turning to online providers, who in turn have been evolving and adapting to customer’s needs. Specifically, the world of online poker here in the United States is experiencing a surge in popularity, with some suggestions we could be close to another poker boom.
The original poker boom happened at the turn of the century, fueled by the film Rounders and Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 WSOP win. The market expanded quickly but was soon fraught with concerns around safety, which led to the Black Friday closedown of major providers. Since then, online poker companies have upped their game, and signing up to play online poker has become quick, easy and most of all safe. That trust in providers has certainly helped the growth of the industry.
Laws in certain states have also been relaxed, which means not only can players not get to their usual brick and mortar casino, but they are also seeing local online providers thrive in their state. Michigan is the latest to develop its online poker market, which means players can connect with like-minded folk in their own state. The Michigan deal sees gamers able to join poker rooms online with other people across the state, which in turn adds the social element to their card games as well as the comfort of online providers.
The ease of access online providers offer is another reason the industry is experiencing a rise in popularity. Even under normal circumstances, when people were allowed out and about as they pleased, being able to have a few hands of poker on the bus, or in your own home, was a big selling point over a proper casino. Michigan is still in the grip of the pandemic, which means online providers are finding it easy to attract customers who cannot leave their homes or go about their business as normal. Whilst the state makes a great example due to recently relaxing laws, it is a story being played out across all the states that allow poker providers to set up and operate.
It does not quite add up to a second poker boom, not yet, but the environment is right for online gaming to flourish, both in terms of poker and the wider gaming market. Not all players want to play cards, some may want slots or other casino games, whilst even consoles and home computer gaming are seeing a rise, too. The situation around the world has meant people have to remain home for their leisure time, and that has seen titles such as Fortnite or Dota 2 attracting gamers too. While some eSports might be quite niche, poker is an American institution that stretches back to the Wild West and beyond, and as we move boldly into 2021, it remains more accessible than ever and adaptable to the modern world.
