You may not think so, but online poker is still a major force in the world of digital gambling; however, its place in the public imagination has shifted dramatically over the past two decades.
Today, I’m going to look at just how popular online poker remains, whether it ever reached a saturation point, and how it compares to other forms of gambling in the UK and the US.
As someone who’s watched this space evolve since the early 2000s, it’s fascinating to see how the game persists, even as mainstream attention has wandered elsewhere.
Online Poker: Rise, Saturation, and Change
Back in the early 2000s, online poker exploded onto the scene. Sites like PokerStars and PartyPoker were everywhere, riding high on the “Moneymaker Effect” after Chris Moneymaker’s World Series of Poker victory in 2003.
Suddenly, poker was not just a game for smoke-filled backrooms; it was a global, accessible phenomenon.
Millions of us rushed out and bought our poker sets (remember the ones in the silver cases??), and just as many flocked online, hungry for real-money cash games and huge tournaments, right alongside a rising wave of online casino games that were also reshaping the digital gambling landscape.
But, like most trends, there was a saturation point with poker. By the mid-2010s, market growth started to plateau, especially as dozens of new platforms crowded the space. Hefty regulatory hurdles didn’t help either.
For many, excitement waned, and the sector lost some of its glamour. However, the pandemic provided a surprising second wind, with a massive spike in player numbers and revenue as lockdowns forced people to seek entertainment from home.
Still Growing or Fading Out?
So, is online poker still going strong in 2025? The answer is nuanced.
Participation rates have actually doubled in markets like the UK, rising from about 5% of adults playing in 2021 to 10% in 2024. Globally, the player base is massive, with roughly 100 million people playing online poker, 60 million of whom are from the US alone.
After the spike in 2020, new player registrations have increased by around 34% annually, and first-time poker players jumped by 255% during lockdown periods.
At the same time, social media and other digital activities have pulled attention away from poker. Twitch streams, online gaming, and social platforms are, for many younger adults, bigger deals than virtual poker tables.
Poker isn’t always seen as part of the zeitgeist in 2025; it’s neither the pop culture sensation it once was nor the top gambling go-to for most online punters.
Is It Still Profitable?
Profitability and overall size are where differences really emerge between poker and other forms of gambling.
In the UK, the online gambling sector generates about $7.4 billion yearly, projected to reach over $15 billion by 2030, and that is despite some significant regulatory changes like the implementation of KYC (know your customer), which requires new players to provide proof of identity.
But sports betting dominates this revenue, representing more than half (about 57%) of all online gambling profits in 2024. Poker sits behind sports betting, casinos, and yes, sometimes even bingo.
Globally, online poker’s market value was around $5.3–6.3 billion in 2024–2025, and it is forecast to reach between $11.4 and $22 billion by 2030–2034. Compare this to the entire global online gambling market, which has ballooned beyond $78 billion and is set to double by the decade’s end.
In terms of market share, online poker is important but not dominant.
In the US, things are slightly different thanks to shifting regulations, especially after the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
This opened up a flood of legal online sports betting, which has quickly taken over as the largest driver of online gambling revenue.
Online poker has grown steadily (helped by state-level legalisation in places like New Jersey and Pennsylvania), but it sits in the shadow of sports betting, which fuels a much larger portion of both user interest and operator profits.
Market Trends
It's easy to assume poker has stagnated, but the reality is more complex. The market is adapting and innovating.
Technology has played a huge role: Mobile poker apps now dominate, allowing people to play anywhere, anytime.
Private poker clubs with invite-only rooms have become popular, offering more flexibility and a stronger sense of community than the old-school platforms.
Advances in AI and blockchain integration are making games safer and more engaging, building trust among users and protecting against cheating.
Player demographics also keep shifting. The majority now falls into the 18–54 age group, with roughly equal portions under and above 35 years old.
The gender split, as ever, remains male-dominated, but there’s a growing number of younger women joining the online poker scene.
Ultimately, online poker is not just surviving; it's quietly thriving as a subculture, particularly among those who love skill-based games.
General Feeling in 2025
The overall mood among operators and players in 2025 is optimistic but measured. Online poker may not be headline news any longer, but its community is larger and more engaged than most casual observers realise.
The sector is stable and, even after a saturation-induced cooldown, is poised for continued growth through new technology and evolving formats.
Many industry analyses predict double-digit growth rates for online poker globally, thanks to new player engagement, generational turnover, and fresh viral interest from innovative mobile platforms and social gaming options.
In public consciousness, though, poker is just one of many digital distractions, with stiff competition from esports, streaming, and app-based social games.
Online Poker’s Place Today
So, is online poker as popular as it was 20 years ago? While it's no longer the digital gold rush it once was, the game is still going strong beneath the surface.
The industry has matured, with player numbers growing and revenues continuing their upward swing, albeit not at the explosive rates we saw back in the early days.
Compared to sports betting, esports, and casino games, poker doesn't top the charts in terms of revenue, but it sustains a devoted global community of players who prize skill and strategy over luck.
Let’s put it this way, it’s not going anywhere any time soon!
