The COVID-19 pandemic has hit each and every sector of society hard to a greater or lesser extent. Poker has been no exception. While the online modality – which has experienced an incredible boom during this tough season – has served to keep thousands of poker fans enjoying the thrill of the game, face-to-face tournaments suffered, first-hand, the effects of restrictions and confinements.
The year 2022 witnessed a timid resurgence of face-to-face tournaments, taking small steps to announce their return. It was the case of the World Series of Poker, held in Las Vegas, which, after being canceled in 2022 because of the pandemic, developed 88 live events.
The health of poker in the US is improving, allowing us to launch some forecasts about what lies ahead for the industry in this new year that lies ahead. We can even speak of optimism, of new opportunities for the industry and for poker lovers, who are sure to welcome them with open arms.
We tell you the trends that, it seems, will set the tone for poker in the US in 2022. Don’t miss them!
Contents
Experience the thrill of the WSOP all over again
Source: chiangraitimes.com
Since, in the introduction, we have mentioned the World Series of Poker, we start our predictions from its hand. The celebration of the WSOP in 2022 left us with a bittersweet feeling.
The joy of reliving the atmosphere there failed to mask that feeling of sadness when we felt that things were not quite the same. A change in the season of the year in which it takes place, coupled with a smaller number of people, drew some grimace of disappointment among the attendees.
But it’s not all bad news. The year 2022 brings a breath of fresh air, full of new opportunities for poker events. This summer we should see the WSOP being held at the right time of the year, although everything will depend on the evolution of the pandemic, as well as on the restrictions.
On the other hand, it is still too early to determine what will happen with the online component of the series. Although it has experienced a golden age during the pandemic, we will not know if these online events will remain separate from the live tournament schedule or if they will be simultaneous.
Either way, excitement is assured.
Michigan and Pennsylvania, we have good news
Interstate poker networks allow for more traffic, so when we talk about shared traffic, we are talking about a very important feature in the poker world. The reason? More players, more tables, greater variety of games and bigger prize pools for tournaments.
Despite this, in the US, only the WSOP is authorized to share traffic, deploying its network in the states that make up the so-called tri-state pact, which comprises the states of New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware.
The good news – or rather, the good prediction – refers to the possibility that both Michigan and Pennsylvania will join the tri-state pact, benefiting from shared traffic. As we say, we are talking about predictions.
In the case of Michigan, the prediction is closer to reality than mere hypothesis, given that its affiliation to the compact will take place when the bureaucratic procedures are solved. In the case of Pennsylvania, the possibility has been launched, but there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding such membership.
New online poker rooms
Source: ragezone.com
Online poker rooms are experiencing a golden moment. Along with the inherent flexibility of this type of game, there are also attractive prizes and bonuses offered by the poker rooms.
New rooms and improvements in the already created ones, draw a very attractive panorama regarding online poker. If you want to be fully aware of the best poker rooms, casino games or to be sure not to miss anything about poker, take a look at habwin.com, the place to enjoy online poker, casino or sports betting.
Everything points to the fact that online gambling will not only remain as it is now, but will continue to grow exponentially.
Gambling growth in Texas
The continued growth of poker in this state is expected to continue to grow, despite the legal challenges that operators have had to face. Lodge Poker Club, the largest poker club in Texas, is celebrating as three poker heavyweights have decided to take a stake in the club.
Doug Polk, Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme could be a major boost to poker in Texas, and we could see it pay off this year.
We will continue to see the excitement of the Super High Roller
Source: pokerdiscover.com
Within the poker tournaments, we find some events that move millions of euros. The Super High Roller move huge amounts of money, where great referents such as Isaac Haxton or Ali Ismirovic, one of the favorites, start their participation with buy-ins within the reach of very few.
Such is the attraction generated by the Super High Roller, that they overshadow the rest of the main events. Therefore, the year 2022 predicts that the great – and millionaire – players of this modality will continue to take our breath away with their plays.
And to conclude
Leaving behind the tough years when the pandemic hit hardest, we are all looking forward to what 2022 will bring. What we do know is that the poker industry has adapted remarkably well to the changing reality we have experienced since COVID-19 came into our lives.
The online modality is here to stay, but what will become of the physical casinos? The truth is that it is a mystery since, on this subject, there is a lot of polarization of opinions. We agree that the excitement of a casino room is unparalleled, so online poker has had to make use of interesting promotions and benefits for its users. On the other hand, the convenience and flexibility offered by playing from your mobile device offers advantages that are hard to match.
And you, what do you think the poker industry has in store for 2022?
