Poker is a card game that has been played for centuries; its origins can be traced back to early civilizations in China, Persia, and Egypt. Fast-forward to the present, and poker is played and enjoyed in every corner of the world. 

While the World Series of Poker (WSOP) gained mainstream attention in the early 2000s, partly due to the introduction of online poker, the game itself has also grown in popularity. In this article, we uncover the secrets of its popularity.

What Factors Contributed to Poker’s Popularity?

Overall, poker has been the most popular online casino game for the better part of a decade. Played and enjoyed worldwide, the combination of modern technologies, accessibility, and convenience has played a pivotal role in poker’s dominance. We look at several factors that contributed to the game’s increased popularity.

The Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Not only did the pandemic leave billions of people confined to their homes, but it also resulted in just as many turning to the internet to entertain themselves or make money. With poker, you can do both.

The pandemic was the catalyst for a boom in online casinos, making poker more accessible than it had ever been. Accompanied by a new wave of online platforms, tens of thousands of new players entered the online gaming sphere to participate in poker tournaments. 

An additional catalyst for the game’s rising popularity during the pandemic was the transition of the WSOP online. For a brief moment, the online WSOP became the face of the game, showing both newcomers and skeptics that a predominantly digital existence was the way forward. 

The Variety of Poker Games

Thanks to poker’s online popularity, game developers and online casinos have not been shy when it comes to developing and introducing a wide variety of poker games online. With new poker games and themed tables constantly being introduced, casinos can maintain a fresh and exciting feel.

Some of the most popular poker variations include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. 

The introduction of live dealer poker was another win for the online version of poker. Its ability to replicate the authenticity of a dealer via webcam has proved popular among the poker community and marks the next chapter in integrating the game into the everyday lives of people worldwide. 

Community and Social Interaction

Over time, the perceptions of poker have changed from negative to positive, from being a gambling game to an interactive and enjoyable social game that brings people together — and nothing does that better than big pots, high-ranking hands and head-to-head battles! 

If you’ve played poker before, you’ll know that games usually last several hours, which means there’s plenty of time for conversation. Unlike blackjack, where you’re constantly back-and-forth with the dealer, the slow pace of poker allows a conversation to flow and players to interact. 

Moreover, the communal aspect of poker combined with a more positive perception of the game itself has led to the creation of poker clubs and organizations, which allow players to come together and socialize. Add this to the fact that online poker now allows you to play with friends from all over the world, and it becomes clear why the game has become as popular as it has. And if you’re wondering how to play poker with friends, just head over to the BetMGM website.

Social Media

In addition to this, social media and online chat rooms such as Discord and Reddit have allowed poker clubs to organize, communicate, and collaborate — which has also solidified poker communities.

Lastly, social media has allowed poker-related content to circulate virally, adding more fuel to the popularity fire. This, in turn, has elevated the status of professional poker players, expanding their fan base and increasing the viewership of their live poker tournaments in the process.

Odds and House Edge

Compared to land-based casinos, online casinos are known for offering better odds and a smaller house edge, making them the obvious choice for many players. Additionally, online players are able to be active in more than one game at a time, meaning you’re able to take advantage of multiple casino odds and house edge bonuses at once.

Online platforms are also known for offering great bonuses and rewards, which often include improved odds and a smaller house edge.

Play Poker on BetMGM

Find out what the hype is all about and play poker online. With the option of low and high-stake games — available 24/7 — there’s always a table for everyone, regardless of your skill level. Register today, play with friends, and explore our extensive range of poker variations, from Texas Hold’em and Seven-Card Stud to Omaha.

In addition to poker, BetMGM also gives you access to an almost endless variety of online casino games. From themed slots and bingo to roulette and blackjack, play from anywhere and anytime.