With a current player pool exceeding 100 million globally, online poker is one of today’s busiest and most lucrative iGaming sectors. In 2024, research and data analysis company Custom Market Insights estimated that the online poker market is worth nearly $103 billion. With a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%, this is expected to result in the section being worth over $300 billion by 2033.
This success is largely thanks to the integration of key digital innovations. Designed to enhance gameplay, these cover various aspects, including cybersecurity and fair play. According to the same report, one of the leading poker entities championing this growth and digitalization is Americas Cardroom. Established in 2001, it is considered the US’ leading online poker site. Celebrated and trusted by the poker community, the operator is known for its huge tourneys, team of elite poker ambassadors, and consistent efforts to elevate the sector using timely tech solutions.
Below, we’ve listed three of the most recent and notable initiatives that have helped the platform build a huge player base:
Crypto adoption
Just as online gaming has created opportunities for honest players, it has also done the same for cybercriminals looking to exploit sensitive data. According to a Kount study, up to 21% of online gamers today have already experienced some form of hacking. In online poker, this poses a real threat given that the industry requires players to submit personal information, like banking details.
In response, crypto banking methods have become more widespread in online poker. This is in line with Softswiss data from earlier this year that notes up to 16% of all online bets were made with these digital tokens. Americas Cardroom happens to be one of the earliest adopters of crypto in the field, dating back to 2013. Today, they’ve expanded their crypto banking methods to accept more than 60 tokens. This includes some of the most popular ones, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Since these are decentralized, they allow faster, more affordable, and secure deposits and withdrawals free from unnecessary third-party interference. Additionally, because crypto transactions can be done anonymously, they eliminate the risk of having personal information breached. Finally, as all crypto actions are verified and shared on the blockchain, they cannot be manipulated by hackers.
AI innovations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is seeing rapid use across iGaming, thanks to how it can better tailor player experiences. As explained by the digital iGaming agency, ICODA, AI is helping personalize the landscape for gamers, who can receive curated assistance and recommendations in line with their interests and past performances.
Within online poker, AI has become a useful tool in helping bridge glaring skills gaps. Whereas more practised and better-funded players used to dominate tournaments, AI-backed interventions are making the online scene more inclusive. Case in point, Americas Cardroom just recently introduced its newest game called Poker Races. Here, players can choose their AI Racers, who will represent the human gamer in the match’s early stages until they make it to the money section. As the entire AI part of the process only takes about two minutes, it streamlines the experience by removing tedious aspects that may otherwise overwhelm newer players. Through this, even recreational poker fans have a better chance of making it through to the more exciting, higher-stakes rounds.
Anti-cheating software
Online poker games today boast impressive cash prizes. For instance, Americas Cardroom’s Venom Fever tourneys alone have guarantees of up to $2 million. In light of this, the operator has made it a point to invest in anti-cheating software that ensures only fair and honest players can reap their rewards.
One of their most noteworthy efforts is state-of-the-art random number generators (RNGs), evaluated and certified by iTech Labs. As explained in an article on PCGamer, older RNGs struggle with true randomness. This is because they still abide by encryption approaches that are based on calculable equations. In online poker, the use of newer RNGs ensures that every single hand dealt is truly random and unbiased. On top of this, Americas Cardroom has enacted other fair gaming measures, including the restriction of External Assistance Tools (EATs) and a Reshuffle feature. All of these create an online space that cannot be monopolized, safeguarding equal opportunity for all players.
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