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Online Poker Boom: How Covid-19 Accelerated the Rise of Digital Card Games
Live Poker & StreamingMay 18, 2021·1 min read

Online Poker Boom: How Covid-19 Accelerated the Rise of Digital Card Games


The global Covid-19 pandemic forced many gambling venues, including casinos and traditional bookmakers, to close. This shift has led to a significant increase in online gambling, with online poker becoming a favorite pastime for many experiencing Covid-19 restrictions.

Poker, a game with roots tracing back to a French game called Poque introduced in the 17th century, has seen a resurgence in popularity. Texas Hold 'Em, in particular, is the most popular variant in many western countries. The American Gaming Association estimated that in 2018, over 2800 legally registered online gambling sites were operational worldwide, highlighting the industry's rapid growth.

The online gambling industry is worth $73 billion annually and is predicted to grow to $127 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by the convenience of playing anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to traditional casinos. Popular online poker games include Texas Hold 'Em, Seven-Card Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha, and High/Low Chicago, each offering unique gameplay experiences.

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Argus Riven

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Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

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