The Indian gaming industry has experienced significant growth and widespread participation in recent years. Reports suggest that there were more than 440 million active gamers in India in 2022 up from 300 million in 2019. This growth has been fueled by widespread adoption of smartphones and high-speed data, along with other advancements like portable gaming devices and cloud gaming. Further, this number is expected to grow to 650 Mn by 2025.
The growing interest for online poker in India
In line with this trend, India has witnessed a rapid surge in the popularity of online poker. This once-niche card game has today transformed into a mainstream entertainment and sporting activity, captivating a diverse range of players from across the country. With its unique blend of strategy, skill, and thrill, poker has emerged as a one of the most popular card games in India, attracting both casual enthusiasts and competitive players alike.
While classic culture has carried the notion of poker as an “exclusive” game meant for someone from bond movies, wearing tuxedos and driving Lamborghinis, technological advancements have made the game truly “inclusive” by making it more accessible and affordable for one and all, which has resulted in the rapid democratization of the game.
Poker evolving as a popular sport and a lucrative career
In my recent interactions with regular and professional poker players, I discovered that they come from diverse backgrounds. While some of them have studied in top colleges and work with the best known MNCs, others were self-starters who were running their own businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. While some came from the field of business and engineering, others came from the field of humanities, fashion, and pure science. However, the one thing which united them all was their passion for poker.
The drive, the commitment they had for the game was no less than that of a professional athlete. Most of them started exploring poker as a hobby, as something that would stimulate their mind and entertain them along with helping them with generating an income. Many of them found the game to be a “great leveler” as this could be learnt and excelled at, at any stage of life.
Additionally, several international tournaments have emerged in recent years, demonstrating poker’s growing acceptance as a mind sport. This includes prestigious tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and World Poker Tour (WPT), which offer multimillion-dollar prizes and attracts top players from across the globe. Moreover, the advent of e-sports championships for poker allowed players to pursue their passion and earn handsomely from the sport.
Beyond the financial aspect, poker offers a unique lifestyle that many find appealing. Professionals have the freedom to set their own schedules, travel the world, and compete in prestigious tournaments. They experience the thrill of high-stakes competition and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a vibrant poker community. Poker transcends borders, cultures, and languages, bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share a common passion.
The future ahead
As we see our lives change at an unprecedented rate, with the emergence of remote and hybrid working, freelancing and gig economy, many more people will choose to take a pause, to reassess their life’s priorities, to shift the balance towards family and personal well-being, to be in greater control of their time and their lives. Online poker, along with the host of technological advances would give people the power to own their lives.
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