The digital revolution has transformed life over the past decade in which new conveniences and scientific discoveries have come about that our grandparents could have only dreamed of having. From smart fridges that restock your favourite groceries automatically to light bulbs that switch on by voice command and wearable technology that gives us an incredible amount of data on our health and wellbeing.
Yet, one area where technology has had the biggest impact in recent years is the online gaming industry, and in particular – online poker. As a traditional casino game, the digitalization of online poker has helped to transform the game into a modern offering that is just as popular with today’s younger generations as it was a couple of decades ago.
Below, we’ll take a look at how new and emerging technologies have transformed the online poker sector in recent years.
Safer payments
Of course, online poker cannot exist without the ability to receive and send secure payments swiftly. While online payments have had their challenges over the last few decades, the introduction of new types of advancements are transforming the industry.
Payments that utilize e-wallets like PayPal and alternative cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are creating new ways for customers to pay while not having to worry about payment fraud. Differentially from traditional payment methods, cryptocurrencies operate on a technology called Blockchain; meaning they’re not linked to any centralized bank.
As a result, payments are not only faster as they do not need to be approved by the customers bank, but they grant players more anonymity too as crypto payments are more difficult to track. As a result, players can focus on the game, without having to worry about the hassles on online payment.
Mobile gaming
According to statistics, mobile gaming is set to generate $120 billion in 2021. Mobile gaming has made traditional casino games like online poker much more accessible. Where customers once had to plan a night out to a casino to play their favourite poker game, players can now simply pull up the website or app on their phone and play from anywhere and at any time.
Mobile technology has vastly improved over the last few years, in which the likes of 4G and 5G technology mean that people can now stream games in record time and without lag.
Thanks to Google’s mobile first agenda in recent years, online casino providers have been encouraged to offer a ‘mobile first’ experience whereby users get a seamless experience when using a website on their phone. This means that while there’s a tiny screen, gaming performance, interactivity or enjoyability is not affected in any way.
Live tournaments
Poker tournaments are enjoyed by many professional players across the globe each year, in which some people are able to make highly successful careers out of it. Recent online gaming technologies have also enabled the success of online live poker tournaments across the globe. In particular, online poker tournaments in Canada are exceedingly popular, with many famous pro poker players originating from Canada such as Daniel Negreanu. Online poker is legal in Canada as long as the player is using an offshore provider and many Americans have been known to travel north to partake in the events.
Online poker tournaments mean that more people can get involved as it eliminates the need to travel abroad. Not only this, the jackpot from online poker tournaments if often much larger than physical tournaments as there’s more people participating.
More gaming variety
While physical casino venues are limited by the amount of poker tables they can have in a venue, online poker offers a huge variety of games. Players are able to choose from variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi, High Low Chicago, Follow the Queen, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Draw and much more.
A mix of the virtual and physical worlds
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in a brick-and-mortar casino. They’re often glamorous places, complete with music, a bar and an incredibly enjoyable atmosphere. While in the past this may have been lost on online casino games, today’s modern poker games incorporate technologies like Virtual Reality that combine the virtual and physical worlds.
By using a VR headset, players are able to feel immersed in a casino environment while still being in the comfort of their own home.
Global success
In many regions of the world online gambling is still not legalised, meaning that many people are not able to access poker games. However, with the introduction of online casino games like online poker, people from regions where gambling isn’t yet legalised are still able to access games from offshore providers.
The future of online poker
As technology continues to improve, the online poker experience is set to become even better. What’s more, as cultural perceptions begin to shift, it’s hoped that many more people across the world will begin to have access to such games.
We’re already beginning to see places like the US transform their online gambling laws as technology improves the standards of online poker. As we move forward, newer technologies will continue to enhance the online poker experience. Keep an eye out for what’s to come.