5 Ways Online Poker Has Changed How People Gamble
Online poker is more popular than ever - and it’s become a lot more than just another way to play cards. Over the past decade or so, the online poker phenomenon has changed how people think about gambling more broadly - and whether it’s game habits to gambling expectations, here are five ways that online poker has changed the way people gamble.
#1: Instant and Easy Access
One of the biggest shifts is that online poker made the game accessible to pretty much anyone - anywhere, anytime. When online poker became “mainstream”, players no longer needed to travel to a card room or casino; they could play anywhere with a device and internet connection.
Another major change was the types of games played. Due to the far lower overheads, online poker rooms were able to offer tables with much lower stakes - and this allowed beginners, and those on a budget to join games without having to risk too much money.
This change in accessibility also set the stage for players to explore other online gambling products: since they’re already comfortable with spending money on online poker, for example, they may be more willing to play casino games online.
#2: Data, Tools & Faster Learning
Another pretty significant change that came with the rise of online poker was the feedback mechanic. Online poker, by design, is very rich in feedback. Hand histories, detailed statistics, forums, equity calculators - all of these tools and data points help players to improve their game a LOT faster than would be possible in offline-only settings.
Thanks to online tools and software, for example, poker players can spot leaks in their game, see strategies not used in offline poker games, and even track the history of opponents.
When people gain analytical skills from poker, they often apply them elsewhere - and this can translate, for example, into browsing casino game ranges, choosing different bonuses and promotions, and picking casinos based on payout speeds.
#3: Multi-Tabling & Game Variety
Online poker platforms offer ways to play multiple tables at once, experiment with different poker variants - like Hold’em, Omaha, and Spin & Go’s - and perhaps most notably is the fact that players can easily switch between tables - and formats - with the click of a button.
This format means that players can find a style that fits their time, risk level, and mood - and if they don’t like it, they can simply get up and change tables.
That desire for variety is a big reason why many poker players also head over to casino games - whether it’s a quick spin on the slots, or longer sessions on live dealer games.
#4: Shift in Risk Perception & Bankroll Management
Online poker requires much stricter bankroll discipline compared to conventional poker - simply because the volume and speed of play mean more variance. Players learn, for example, how to set stop-loss limits, to move down stakes when they’re losing - and to view variance as part of the long game.
Interestingly, these risk-management habits often transfer to how they approach casino gaming, too. They may, for example, be more selective about bonuses, the wagering requirements - or simply avoid high-house-edge games when the odds are against them.
#5: Cross-Over Behaviour
Here’s where things get interesting: many players who start with online poker eventually end up checking out either the casino section of a poker site - or go looking for dedicated casino brands to sign-up to.
The exposure to online poker means that players are more comfortable with gambling online in general - and this often translates to multiple formats, like casino games - or bingo.
Some poker players like to switch things up - especially between tournaments, or after a winning or losing session. Many poker sites run dedicated promotions for use on casino games - trying to tempt players into heading over to the casino section of their site.
There are tons of reputable sites online today, and many poker players come across Frenwall Limited casinos - one of the most popular online casino choices for poker players right now.
Frenwall’s casinos offer some of the best bonuses and promotions, the largest game ranges - and super-fast payouts - so it’s easy to see why so many poker players are choosing them for their preferred online casino site.
Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen, online poker has done more than change how cards are dealt - it’s also changed how players think about risk, learning, variety, and entertainment. Because of that, many poker players no longer stay stuck at the same tables. Now, they brand out, try online casino games, blend styles - and gamble outside the box - literally!
It’s a fast-evolving world, and casinos and poker sites are releasing new products all the time - so it’s clear there’s big money to be made by incentivising players into joining their sites, too.