With more than 500 active platforms and 100 million players worldwide, the online poker industry is strengthening its position in the global iGaming ecosystem. According to industry trend data, the global online poker market reached a turnover of $5.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $11.4 billion by 2030. Analysts estimate the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 13.7%.
In addition to the spread of the internet and smartphones, factors driving the growth of the online poker market include artificial intelligence (AI)-based gaming features and regulatory developments. Dominant players in the market include brands such as GGPoker, Americas Cardroom, Evoke, PokerStars, partypoker, BetOnline, Zynga Poker, Unibet Poker, BLITZ POKER, Natural8, Winamax, Ignition Casino, True Poker, Pocket52 and Baazi Games.
Online poker market size and geography
The increasing availability of high-speed internet and smartphones in emerging economies is significantly expanding the player base for online poker. It is worth noting that mobile gaming currently accounts for 70% of all online poker traffic.
According to a report by MarkNtel Advisors, the number of internet users worldwide has grown from 4.9 billion to over 5.4 billion in 2024 over the past three years. In India, the number of active players has tripled in recent years, from 2 million in 2018 to over 6 million by 2024.
North America leads the global online poker industry with a 35% market share. Legalisation, high disposable income and public interest in poker have contributed to this leadership. Additionally, the Multistate Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) increases the liquidity of licensed platforms.
The market is gaining momentum in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region due to the growth of mobile device penetration and legalisation.
Regulatory reforms and legalisation of the industry
Along with the development of mobile gaming applications, the online poker market is benefiting from regulatory changes, especially in North America. Several US states, such as Nevada, Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as the province of Ontario in Canada, have legalised online poker in recent years.
Furthermore, GGPoker’s landmark acquisition of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) brand has increased tournament prize pools to over $100 million. This move has increased the loyalty of existing players and attracted new ones.
Meanwhile, Brazil is finalising legislation to regulate the online gambling market. Entering a new market brightens the prospects for online poker operators.
Gamification and personalisation
Gamification and personalisation are shaping new growth strategies in the industry. According to the GameAnalytics team, leaderboards, real-time challenges, and AI-based recommendations can increase daily active users (DAU) by up to 50%.
AI integration also helps retain players by analysing playing styles and detecting fraud in a timely manner.
In addition, personalisation contributes to the growth of average revenue per user (ARPU) in online poker. For example, the GGPoker and PokerBaazi platforms reported an increase in ARPU of up to 35% thanks to personalised offers.
Virtual reality and blockchain
Following PokerStars, online poker operators are trying to implement virtual reality (VR). Currently, VR poker environments double the average session duration.
Decentralised platforms that use provably fair algorithms and support cryptocurrency payments are gaining popularity. Blockchain integration enhances payment security and transparency, helping to solve the problem of fraud in online poker.
Market segmentation analysis
By game type: Simple rules and high popularity of tournaments make Texas Hold’em the dominant game type with a market share of over 70%. Niche but loyal player segments prefer Omaha and Seven-Card Stud.
By platform: Using integrated payment gateways and push notifications, mobile poker apps have already captured 70% of the market. Land-based gaming halls are still in demand among professional players and high rollers.
By format: Multi-table tournaments, cash games, and fast-fold poker are more likely to attract new players. Tournaments provide the highest level of online activity.
Current issue
The most pressing issue for the online poker market is cyber fraud: the level of chargebacks in this sector is several times higher than in others. This forces operators to implement advanced systems for fraud detection (AML) and customer identity verification (KYC).
In conclusion
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 18 August 2025.
The fuse is lit, and Mexico’s ready to blaze. SiGMA North America hits Mexico City, 01–03 Sept 2026. 4,000 delegates. Three days of deals, insight, and startup sparks. The most serious stage of the Spanish-speaking sector. Lead from the front and book your spot.
