For card and video game enthusiasts, access to poker has never been better. A growing variety of online platforms has made poker and similar online gambling activities more convenient than ever for gamers, according to a study published in Springer Nature. Coupled with the proliferation of high-speed internet and the adoption of smartphones for gaming, it’s no wonder that the industry has a forecasted 11.9% CAGR from 2025 until 2030.
The growth of online poker’s popularity among gamers can also be attributed to the streaming culture. Game streaming communities provide engaging poker content to a wider audience of gaming enthusiasts, creating more opportunities for players to encounter the game. And with poker making its appearance over the years in a variety of popular triple-A video games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Far Cry 3, alongside the growth of online poker platforms like Americas Cardroom, it’s clear that the card game has found its place in the mainstream. Below, we look at some of the best games and ways gamers can enoy poker.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Some survival video games feature poker as a side quest to take a break from the main story. For instance, Red Dead Redemption 2, an open-world, Western-themed action-adventure game, offers a poker mini-game where players can win quick cash that they can use throughout the game. Aside from engaging in Red Dead Redemption 2’s intense combat sequences while grappling for survival in the Wild West, players can also enjoy Texas Hold ‘Em games within the story to gain some extra cash. Gamers can play the card game in several locations within the game, including Blackwater, Valentine, and Tumbleweed.
Bally Live Poker
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Aside from playing games, gamers can enjoy poker through various streaming communities that deliver engaging high-stakes content. For instance, Bally Live Poker offers a mix of gameplay and high-stakes action regularly streamed on their YouTube page. It posts tournaments and casual games featuring pro poker champions like Phil Laak, Hollywood personalities like Jay Flats, and other big names battling for poker glory. It’s a good way for gamers to take a break from playing while enjoying engaging poker content that can help them learn valuable skills and strategies.
Americas Cardroom
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Online card rooms are now bringing the thrill of high-stakes poker to a more diverse range of gamers. Take Americas Cardroom, a major online poker platform in the US that provides 24/7 access to high-stakes tournaments. The platform offers several games available in the form of cash games and tournaments, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Stud, Jackpot Poker, Sit & Go’s, and Blitz Poker. Gamers don’t have to play to enjoy poker, either, as the platform also has its own dedicated streamer team, the ACR Stormers, who stream tournaments regularly on Twitch. It’s also available on Windows and macOS devices, as well as on mobile.
Far Cry 3
First-person shooter games are also no stranger to poker. In Far Cry 3, gamers navigate the fictional world of the Rook Islands by playing as Jason Brody, whose goal is to find and save his captured friends. Aside from defeating wildlife and human enemies on the islands, players can also enjoy back-room poker mini-games, particularly Texas Hold ‘Em, in different locations within the map. Gamers can unlock the first poker game after invading the Valsa Docks outpost. These poker mini-games are available in varying difficulty levels, from practice and novice to skilled and expert.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a mega-popular action-adventure video game series that most avid gamers will be familiar with. While players anticipate GTA VI, the good news is that they can pass the time by enjoying the poker mini-game available in quite a few of the existing GTA iterations. GTA: San Andreas, in particular, offers a range of activities for players to enjoy, from free driving to gambling. The video game, which follows the story of ex-gang member Carl “CJ” Johnson, who returns to the hood and slips back to his old ways after his mother’s death, has video poker machines in the Las Venturas casinos and some bars in San Andreas that players can engage in. Gamers can follow a five-card draw where they can wager high amounts for high rewards.
Gone are the days when poker was exclusively accessed in physical card rooms. Today, gamers can enjoy poker through a variety of methods, including the video games and platforms mentioned above. For more gaming articles, visit the Play My World website.