Online poker proving popular
Interest in online poker in the United Kingdom is higher than ever, according to poker site GGPoker. The site has seen its audience grow by 92% since the UK’s lockdown began, with an increase of 102% in new users.
Google searches for poker-related terms have dramatically increased during this period. There has been a month-on-month increase in searches for terms like ‘best poker hands’ (282%), ‘poker hands’ (182%), and ‘poker rules’ (200%).
seen its audience grow by 92% since the UK’s lockdown began
The trends were monitored in the 30 days before the UK’s lockdown was announced (March 23) and the 30 days that followed.
Significant increase in searches
It seems that new players have fuelled the interest around the card game, with searches for various poker hands also increasing. Examples of this include ‘straight flush’ (106%) and ‘four of a kind’ (66%). Traffic is also up by almost 50% for poker hands like ‘royal flush’ and ‘full house’.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is currently monitoring the way that operators are advertising during lockdown, to make sure that vulnerable customers are not taken advantage of.
American sports betting sites have also reported increased customer interest in niche markets like table tennis and virtual sports.
Players seeking strategy tips
As new players are interested in learning the ropes, search terms for ‘how to bluff’ have also seen an increase of 144%.
With this newfound interest in strategy, Jean-Christophe Antoine, head of GGPoker Network, believes that players are turning to poker not just for a quick hand, but a longer game with more player interaction.
new and existing players continue to refine, adapt, and advance their online poker skills
He said: “With people looking for ways to pass the time and escape from the current climate, it’s no surprise that popular escapism activities like playing poker online have seen a substantial increase in interest over the past few months.”
GGPoker anticipates that poker engagement will continue to grow, as both new and existing players continue to refine, adapt, and advance their online poker skills.
