The online poker market has expanded rapidly. There are around 100 million players worldwide. The industry was valued at $86.12 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $283.42 billion by 2032. This expansion has fueled an increase in new players, with annual growth of 34%.
Certain periods have seen even larger surges. The lockdown era drove a 43% increase in online poker participation. The Moneymaker Effect in 2003 led to a 200% jump in tournament entries after Chris Moneymaker’s win at the World Series of Poker.
Countries such as Hungary, Estonia, and Portugal have a high number of online poker players relative to their internet user base. The game is most popular among those aged 25-34.
The Shift from Hobby to Full-Time Income
For many, online poker began as a casual game. With increased accessibility, faster gameplay, and larger prize pools, more players now treat it as a primary source of income. High-stakes tournaments, cash games, and satellite qualifiers offer opportunities to earn consistently. This makes self-employment through poker a reality. Some players specialize in multi-tabling across different platforms and treat each session like a workday.
Sites offering poker games online allow players to compete in various formats. This variety enables career grinders to structure their play around preferred formats and optimize their profitability while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Earnings and the Financial Side of Poker
Poker provides a path to financial sustainability for a portion of players. Around 30% achieve long-term profitability, and only 10% make enough to be considered high earners. Those playing high-stakes online games can generate $2,000 or more per month.
Most online gamblers play on a single platform. However, 25%-30% manage four or more accounts and spread their activity across multiple platforms to maximize rewards and access different player pools. Only 3% maintain five or more accounts.
Player Demographics and Work Status
The majority of online poker players are men. Only 10% are female. The highest concentration of players falls within the 25-34 age bracket. The mean age of an online gambler is 38.
A substantial percentage of online players are employed. Full-time workers have higher involvement in online gambling compared to students and retirees. Mixed-venue gambling, where a person plays both online and in physical casinos, has increased across all age groups. Students are more inclined toward online-only play, while retirees favor live casinos.
Problem Gambling and Risk Factors
Online poker comes with risks. Research indicates that younger players have a greater vulnerability to problem gambling. 19% of those aged 18-24 are classified as high-risk gamblers. The correlation between lower household income and problem gambling is also evident. Individuals earning less than $15,000 per year are overrepresented among high-risk players.
Regulations have played a role in shaping market trends. The American online poker market declined after the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Offshore sites become more attractive in markets with higher tax rates on gaming revenue.
Technology and the Expansion of Online Play
Poker’s reach has extended with improvements in technology. Faster internet speeds and widespread smartphone usage have allowed more people to access poker games from anywhere. Some players participate in multiple games simultaneously to maximize earnings.
Liquidity remains vital to a poker site’s success. A minimum of 2,750-3,330 players at peak hours is necessary for a platform to remain competitive.
Professional Gambling and Income Classification
A person must approach poker as a trade or business to be considered a professional gambler for tax purposes. Merely spending large amounts of time playing does not qualify a person as a full-time pro in the eyes of tax authorities. Those classified as professionals can deduct poker-related expenses, such as travel, software, and coaching. However, casual players are subject to different rules when reporting winnings and losses.
Online poker has transformed from a casual pastime to a lucrative opportunity for many players. The industry’s rapid growth and diverse demographics highlight its appeal as a source of income, and responsible play will ensure a sustainable experience in this profession.
Ryan Dunn has a bunch of certificates on his desk. A few are awards for content production and marketing. Ryan still seeks to achieve. He would like to be a faster runner and higher jumper. He wants to read more books while somehow watching all the Cubs games possible. He would like to produce more written words–though not in this bio.