Currently, there are more mobile subscriptions than people, where subscriptions lead with over 8.5 billion compared to nearly 8 billion humans. And we all have a mobile phone because of the multiple range of benefits. From information to entertainment, there is almost nothing that our mobile can’t do. Mobile games have made over $90 billion in revenue during 2023, and experts predict 2024 will be even better. With online poker on the rise worldwide, it’s worth pointing out why they are booming in popularity.
1. Anytime, anywhere
Mobile networks cover our entire world, and satellite services like Starlink are on a fast track to make the internet available anywhere. Since we can be connected and stay online at all times, we can enjoy the benefits. Mobile phones give our choices the needed mobility because they are with us at all times and bring all the functionalities we can cram into them. You no longer have to drive to a physical casino and worry about gas, car problems, traffic, and crowds. Mobile apps give you the luxury to skip all the hustle, save money, and play at your leisure.
2. Frequent sessions
Physical casinos are an occasion, often a part of a vacation. They require planning and are rarely spontaneous, as they require you to travel to a brick-and-mortar casino whenever you wish to play poker or other casino games. Because you need to plan your day or free time around travel and being in a casino, you can play games in a limited amount of time. Mobile apps give you the freedom to play at any time you wish because you can whip out your mobile phone, touch the app, and start playing.
According to Pokerapps.ltd, one of the best signs of a good poker app is a high player count, meaning you’ll always have plenty of opportunities to play against different opponents. Likewise, they also suggest the best apps have a range of games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Pot Limit, and 7 Card Stud.
Modern poker players can even enjoy the many benefits crypto gambling offers, as they can use various cryptocurrencies online to play their favorite casino games. You’re no longer limited by a time frame when using mobile apps, and even playing a single game, then taking a break, going about your day, and playing another when you are on public transport, for example, will show you the benefit of a mobile app. The remote feature gives you a chance to enjoy your preferred poker games as many times as you wish, from the comfort of your home or whenever you wish.
3. More games, more players
Variety is the spice of life. Whatever real casino you visit, you’ll eventually reach their game limit. Whatever variety they can offer in terms of games and how they look fades in comparison to an online casino. Even the simplest of slot games can have thousands of variants and skins which each can support a different kind of gameplay. Physical slots are usually simple and revolve around pulling a lever or pushing a button, but online slots can have additional gameplay mechanics and variation, which can not be re-created offline.
The same applies to poker, as online poker can have its theme, and the game can attract a certain crowd. When you play online, there is very little chance to play with the same player twice, and someone is always playing in the world. This online connectivity means you’ll never have to wait for a poker game to start if you wish to compete against others. A wide variety of players and a near-endless player base means that each online poker game you play is unique.
Those who stay and progress the ranks become virtual legends and prominent names on the leaderboard, and certain online casinos can form a thriving player base. The social lifeline and interacting with other players at any time while talking freely about poker is something that real casinos can not replicate or compete with.
4. Practice mode
If you wish to practice poker traditionally, you’ll have to play with yourself, invite friends, or maybe hire a poker coach. A fun poker game among friends with no stakes involved is a Friday night special, but if you wish to hone your poker skills, then using poker apps is the way to go. Poker apps have a practice or testing mode, which allows players to try out new tactics, learn the game’s intricacies, and play as much as they want against an AI.
Players can even set difficulty levels and compromise their difficulty, giving them more control over their games. This benefit of a poker game tutorial mode allows poker newcomers and inexperienced players to avoid the social stigma of being a fresh player in a poker community, and they can advance their skills at their own pace.
5. Lower barrier of entry
Physical casinos have entry costs, travel costs, minimal entry, and bets, and these are just the costs we can list from the top of our heads. Online poker apps are free to install and focus on micro stakes. With more casual and relaxed games where the stakes are low and online tournaments (which are abundant and available for players around the world), with low entry fees, the average online poker player has to spend less on associated costs and can focus more on their online games.
One good example of a low barrier of entry would be bets in physical casinos which are based on the entire pot, and the bets are usually around the 10% range. But, online poker rooms are twice as efficient, and their cost hovers around 5%. Less costs means more bets and more chances to play online poker games.
Conclusion
With online poker legislatures becoming more widespread and available, more poker players will turn to the online version. Their benefits far outweigh those of a physical casino, and we even have online poker tournaments for quite some time. As online poker opens up the doors for an incredible amount of players from all around the world, poker as a game will flourish and continue to captivate the minds of players for years to come.