However, to manoeuvre through ever-stricter UK and EU regulations and fight dwindling attention spans, operators need mobile‑first design, zero‑friction onboarding, adaptive rewards, and strong security.
This article, based on insights from Nikita Golodaev and EvenBet’s proprietary research, discusses the forces behind change, the challenges we face, changing behaviours, and the strategic necessities for companies that do not want to be left behind.
Key drivers behind poker’s evolution
Poker’s evolution is driven by three key forces: new technology, higher player expectations, and smarter ways to make money. Fast internet speeds with minimal delay turn live-dealer poker into a smooth, real-time experience. Blockchain adds trust and security by letting players check every card shuffle on public ledgers. NFTs and digital tokens give players true ownership of their assets and even let them earn from resales on the secondary market. At the same time, poker platforms are moving away from hidden fees and instead using small, frequent payments and play-to-earn models, guided by AI analytics. This helps operators increase their income while keeping players engaged with their online activities and investments.
Emerging tech trends in online poker
The rise of 5G networks was a turning point for real‑time gaming. With delays as low as 8–12 milliseconds, players get smooth animations and instant dealer interactions that feel just like a physical poker table. In areas where 5G is still limited, like Latin America and India, and parts of Africa — all of which are key growth areas for the iGaming industry — we have improved performance by moving servers closer to players and lightening up game components. This has cut loading times by 30–40% just by optimising the backend and increased player retention by up to 5% in live games. We also make sure our games work on older devices. Because players on Android 8 deserve smooth experiences too.
At the same time, blockchain is making online poker more trustworthy. Every hand, bet, and payout is recorded on a secure, unchangeable ledger, so players can that the game is fair. Smart contracts automatically handle payouts and tournament results, cutting out middlemen and minimising disputes and operational overhead. These permanent records also help operators follow regulations, which is a big advantage as online gambling rules get stricter.
NFTs take blockchain’s benefits a step further by letting players truly own digital items like avatars or tournament tickets. Each one is unique, with its history and rarity recorded on the blockchain, which makes it more valuable and personal to players. When these items are resold on secondary markets, operators also receive royalties (usually 5–10%), creating extra revenue streams. Plus, since these NFTs can work across different games, they keep players engaged and help poker brands get noticed more often. It’s not about hype. It’s about identity, privacy, and control.
Crypto wallets also make things easier for players. With over half a billion people using cryptocurrency worldwide, poker sites that wallets like MetaMask or TON let players deposit and cash out almost instantly, with lower fees and more privacy. This cuts out the need for slow bank transfers or payment processors, appealing to players who prefer speed and security.
Obstacles to innovation in online poker
Even with these technological advances, online poker faces many challenges. Regulations are getting tougher, especially in places like the UK. Soon, crypto services tied to iGaming might have to follow the same strict rules as banks and investment firms. The UK Gambling Commission will also force sites to show players their spending and playtime in real time to encourage safer and more responsible gaming. This means poker platforms need flexible systems that can adapt quickly to new rules and backup plans in case app stores suddenly block crypto features.
Another big issue is keeping players interested. Because of shrinking attention spans, people lose patience fast — if g up or finding a game takes too long, many quit within minutes. Some poker apps see nearly 70% of new players leave on the first day. To fight this, we have built “Play Now” — a one-tap system that seats players instantly. No lobby browsing. Just straight to action, so players can start having fun right away.
Security is more important than ever as crypto-based poker grows. Since crypto transactions happen directly between players without banks or payment processors, every wallet connection and transfer could be a target for hackers. Top poker sites now use AI-powered fraud monitoring, extra protections like two-factor authentication, and encrypted data storage to keep players safe. At the same time, they’re building responsible gambling tools right into the game experience — features like deposit limits, playtime reminders, and quick self-exclusion options. This helps protect players who might be at risk without making the game less enjoyable for everyone else. The goal is to keep the games fair and secure while still making poker fast and fun to play.
Evolving player preferences and expectations
Smartphones have completely reshaped online poker, pushing the industry toward instant, on-the-go gameplay. With the market expected to hit $6.27bn in 2025 and grow by over 15% annually, players now expect faster, more seamless ways to play — no s required. Features like Telegram-based poker apps let s jump into games directly, eliminating the need for lengthy s and catering to today’s demand for frictionless gaming.To keep players engaged, poker sites are turning to micro-challenges, instant rewards, and daily missions. If players don’t get something valuable fast — they won’t be back. That’s why we deploy missions, quick win bonuses, and daily challenges. In one client case, this approach increased 48-hour retention by 18%. These quick-hit incentives tap into the psychology of small wins to keep players coming back without burning them out.
Emotion is also key — players stay when they feel something. That’s why we added emojis, virtual throwables, and card squeeze effects. And don’t forget the chat — both at the table and in the lobby. These aren’t gimmicks, they’re tools for building emotional connection.
Personalisation, powered by AI analytics, can provide a perfect experience for each player. By analysing playing styles and preferences, platforms customise everything from tournament invites to bonus offers, ensuring no two players see the exact same game. This tailored approach can significantly increase revenue per , proving that the future of poker isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s personal.
Best practices for thriving in the poker market
To stay ahead, poker operators must put mobile experiences first in every aspect of their design. Interfaces should be thumb-friendly, with complex features tucked away until players need them. Cutting friction is critical — offer guest play, instant seating, and built-in wallet funding, so s can dive straight into the action. Speed matters too: games should load in under a second, with smooth animations (under 500ms) powered by edge computing and lean code.
Regulations change fast, so operators need flexible tech that can adapt on the fly. Modular systems let sites update compliance features without rebuilding everything from scratch. Web-based backups ensure revenue keeps flowing if app stores suddenly ban crypto features. Player protection tools like timeouts and spending limits should blend naturally into gameplay — building trust without killing the fun.
Start small if you want to jump into blockchain poker. Test the waters with NFT avatars before rolling out tokenised tournaments or play-to-earn systems. This step-by-step approach minimises risk while revealing what players really want. But don’t cut corners on security — pair every innovation with AI fraud detection, biometric s, and ironclad wallet protections.
Finally, the best platforms never stop optimising. Track how many players return after 1, 7, and 30 days, monitor session times, and measure long-term spending. Run weekly A/B tests on everything from flows to reward systems, using hard numbers to shape a poker experience that keeps players engaged — and revenue growing.
Summing up
The future of poker is being shaped by lightning-fast gameplay, hyper-personalised experiences, and true digital ownership — all while keeping player protection front and centre. With 5G-powered live tables, blockchain-verified fair play, and seamless crypto payments, online poker is preparing itself for a new generation of players. To win this game as an operator, you need to prioritise:
- Mobile-first design that works perfectly at the tap of a thumb
- Frictionless play with instant access and no unnecessary steps
- Smart personalisation that adapts to each player’s style in real time
At EvenBet, we’re not just following trends — we’re building poker’s future: faster, fairer, and more engaging than ever before. The table is set — are you ready to play?
As a business manager, Nikita Golodaev leads key business initiatives at Evenbet Gaming, driving significant revenue growth for clients through strategic technology implementation, data-driven decision-making, market trend analysis, and strategic relationship development. His experience as a professional poker player and extensive background in various poker products enable him to precisely understand customer needs and develop effective solutions. Under Nikita’s leadership, the teams he has led have consistently achieved substantial increases in business client revenue.
Consistently focused on aligning strategic objectives, Nikita ensures a mutually beneficial approach to business needs between Evenbet and its clients, fostering win-win strategies that advance shared achievements.
