Poker has been played since the 19th century and remains one of the most popular games on the planet. Thanks to new technologies and since the advent of the internet, the pursuit continues to grow and appeal to players around the world. Its reach is now huge and is accessible to gamers in every corner of the globe.
In recent years, poker has enjoyed a massive boom, with some reports claiming the market would grow from $70billion to nearly $113billion over the last four years. Fresh developments in how the game can be played as leg to a a huge increase and this article will look at the ways in which technology has played a key role.
Access to Tips and Resources Online
One of the main reasons poker has enjoyed an increase in participation is that novices looking to learn how to play poker have countless resources to learn from online. Previously, a beginner keen to explore the game would have to travel to a physical establishment and find out the rules and how to play via more experienced participants. However today, a player can search for different tips and guidance on the internet and take the time they require to get a proper understanding of what is required to play.
What’s more, gamers can practice via poker apps and sites and bolster their knowhow without the usual financial risks associated with playing the game. This way, they can navigate a range of different scenarios and work out which moves to make. Online resources will also point out which are the best hands, helping players to make sound decisions as opposed to going in blind and chasing random wins without any method or strategy.
Enhanced Convenience
Technology has ensured poker games can be accessed swiftly easily online via smartphones and apps. People can login and start playing in seconds with just a few clicks of a site and game on the move no matter the time of the day. Whether first thing in the morning or late at night, poker is available around the clock meaning players can game whenever they choose. What’s more, people’s gaming habits are no longer dictated by location or being outside. If people are sitting at home chilling, on a long commute or even away on vacation, wi-fi and data use means people can play anywhere.
The level of convenience and accessibility afforded by smartphones has been a complete gamechanger for the industry and opened the game to a whole new audience. Previously, people with daytime responsibilites, like office workers who are busy between 9 and 5, for instance, would not be able to play as they would not be attend a venue. However now, they can login and play during their lunchbreak while on site. This has meant more people have been able to take up the pursuit as it can now fit into their daily schedule.
Faster Gameplay
The world is a busy place in the 21st century and people simply don’t have time to waste. Technology has ensured poker is able to keep the pace with functions designed to save time. For example, players online don’t have to wait for a dealer to shuffle the deck of cards and this instead is done instantaneously online.
Online poker platforms use Random Number Generators to shuffle the cards to ensure the unpredictability of a standard shuffle by a human. This is possible through an algorithm which produces a set combination of numbers and comes up with a different order following each virtual shuffle of the deck. This process employed by fully licenced and regulated sites shows players that they are gaming within a fair environment and boosts trust and loyalty.
Live Streaming
The ability to broadcast games in real-time has ensured the pursuit has reached a huge amount of new players around the globe. Via platforms like YouTube and Twitch, poker fans and aspiring players can be entertaining and learn more about the game by watching some of the top poker players live. By viewing pro players, viewers can broaden their perspective and develop strategies based on the moves they are seeing online.
The boost in engagement has also an increase in direct interaction as viewers and players alike can communicate with each other through online chat features. This creates a sense of community and also boosts the atmosphere among the spectators as they feel aligned even though they may be sitting in altogether different continents.
Efficient Customer Support
Poker players gaming online may run in to technical issues at any time or have a query which requires an answer before the can proceed. Operators now provide live chatbots and trained staff to offer instant responses and find solutions swiftly and efficiently. By answering questions in a matter of minutes ensures players feel supported and can get back to gaming swiftly. Previously, players might have to wait days or even weeks for an answer and that was before a solution could be found for their issue.
Overall, the poker industry has been completely transformed by technology. The game has reached millions of new players in recent years. The level of convenience and accessibility on poker platforms has allowed new gamers to explore new playing opportunities while online poker communities are thriving when it comes to engagement and interaction.
