The times when online poker was considered a niche offshoot of traditional gambling are a thing of the past. The global online poker market reached a turnover of $5.3bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $11.4bn by 2030 at a CAGR of 13.7%. The US market is estimated at $1.4bn in 2024, while China is forecast to grow at an impressive 18.4% CAGR to reach $2.4bn by 2030.
Other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany and Asia Pacific, are also witnessing growth trends. Research and Markets’ comprehensive report, the highlights of which are compiled in this article, provides an analysis of the drivers and forecasts for the online poker market.
Online poker market growth drivers
Three key factors have transformed online poker into a global industry: online operators, the introduction of mobile gaming, and a dynamic regulatory landscape. In addition to traditional casino formats, the online poker ecosystem includes hybrid variants of games on PCs, mobile apps, and blockchain-based networks.
This format of poker attracts players from around the world due to its accessibility, lower entry barriers, betting options, and the ability to participate anonymously.
Mobile technology and app-based interfaces have been a crucial driver of growth. These include e-wallets, cryptocurrency integration, and seamless Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.
Being not only a form of entertainment but also an intellectual endeavour, gaming is receiving an influx of players from Generation Z and millennials, many of whom prefer skill-based gambling. In addition, gamification elements such as loyalty levels, leaderboards, avatars and virtual currencies echo the video game experience familiar to younger audiences.
The pandemic served as an additional catalyst, bringing millions of new players to online poker.
Relationship to the AI technology development
Artificial intelligence-based player selection, real-time behavioural analytics, and dynamic odds algorithms are helping to ensure fairness on online poker platforms. The integration of AI, blockchain and data analytics are also enhancing the fairness of the game and making the ecosystem more robust.
Live streaming, influencer-enabled tournaments, and AI-based training tools are further fuelling the online poker culture in the casual, semi-professional, and competitive user segments. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also helping to replicate the live poker environment online.
Regulation and localisation
This market is highly fragmented due to legislative differences across jurisdictions. For example, the UK, Spain and Italy have established regimes to regulate and support licensed online poker. Other countries are just beginning to formalise their policies in this regard.
In India, for example, poker is recognised as a game of skill only in some states where regulated cash games are allowed, while in the rest, it is restricted or banned. In the US, there has been a resurgence of poker, especially in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. This has been fuelled by the repeal of the PASPA law.
Localisation plays a key role in the expansion of the online poker market. Regional festivals, celebrity tournaments and partnerships with local gaming operators are helping to grow audiences in emerging markets.
When entering a new market, it is worth assessing the clarity of the regulatory framework, taxation models and ensuring responsible gambling. This also affects M&A activity and user confidence. In addition, legal and regulated poker platforms attract high-value players.
The future of the online poker market
Due to its unique position at the intersection of strategy, community, and entertainment, the online poker industry will see steady growth in the regulated and skill-based and gaming landscapes. Specifically, the PC segment is expected to reach $7.1bn by 2030 at a growth rate of 14.4%, while the smartphone segment is expected to grow at 12% annually.
Improvements in platforms, integration of payment gateways and multi-table features are enabling online poker operators to create an exciting and highly competitive gaming environment.
Strategic investments by venture capital firms, technology conglomerates and traditional casino operators are increasing platform scalability, marketing reach and innovation. By opening up new markets and developing global liquidity models, online poker is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of the iGaming economy. The PC segment is proposed to reach $7.1bn by 2030 at a growth rate of 14.4%, while the smartphone segment is expected to grow at 12% annually.
This article was first published in Russian on 20 June 2025.
