Bruce Dias 
While the poker game might have existed for over a century, it recently stepped into the online platform. However, acceptance of this form of poker was low due to the level of technology. Today, technology has grown massively and created an online platform for almost everything. And as a result of this technological growth, poker has seen widespread online adoption.
Needless to say, poker enthusiasts are now able to access various games conveniently. Take the United States, for instance; the country remains the most poker-friendly nation. As such, different online poker rooms have been established for US players. Options such as Americas cardroom mobile play provides players with numerous variations of poker and other games online.
Numerous technologies have gone into making online poker what it is today. Yet, one innovation that fosters all others is mobile technology. But how exactly has this technology impacted online poker? And how has it served as a foundation for other novel innovations? We answer these questions and explore the role mobile technology has played in the rise of online poker.
Poker and Mobile Technology
Poker was introduced into the online platform in the late 90s. In this era, about 30 million people were using the internet. And technology as we know it was not as advanced, making online poker very limited.
This raised the need for widespread access to high-speed internet and electronic devices. These needs were resolved with time, ensuring the poker industry began growing into what it is now. As more poker operators started to get involved, the sector also became so much more improved and competitive.
Development of Mobile Poker
Mobile computing has created a new paradigm in the poker industry. It has also impacted the market, enabling players to make deposits and gamble from their phones. The poker industry is one sector at the forefront of embracing tech innovations. As such, mobile play constantly improves with every new development. Outdated solutions are therefore replaced quickly.
Today, the general standards of mobile poker have been ameliorated across the industry. Along with gaming ease, operators also introduce new offerings to players. Some of these new offerings include multiplayer and live dealer modes.
Regardless of these improvements, some concerns remained about different aspects of online poker. Security was the prevalent issue players had about this form of gambling. In truth, worries about the possible manipulation of results are not far-fetched.
Unsurprisingly, mobile poker games offered a new and fun way to gamble. Players who do not have the time to go to a poker room also see this as an ideal alternative. However, there was a need for operators to employ mobile technology innovations in addressing some concerns players had.
Across the industry, the poker industry felt the impact of mobile technology in three areas.
Convenient Play
One significant perk of mobile technology is how convenient it has made gambling. As a poker enthusiast, you can enjoy your favorite game anytime. All that’s needed is an internet-enabled mobile device.
Easy and Safe Payment
Mobile payment methods also make it possible for easy and safe payments. Players make deposits and withdrawals almost instantly.
Immersion
Poker has always been a popular choice among players. And now, it features an immersive experience compared to traditional poker rooms. The implementation of immersive technologies makes for exciting mobile gaming.
There have also recently been developments in live poker rooms. This option improves the gaming experience by having players interact with live dealers. However, this is a new trend, and it’s yet to see the same level of popularity as the other three areas.
Novel Technology For Online Poker
From the impacts of mobile technology on poker, it’s evident that different innovations go into mobile poker games. Today, numerous operators are focused on designing optimized poker sites and apps. However, to achieve this, certain technologies must be implemented.
HTML5
Almost, if not all, poker rooms are available online. And for operators, the goal is to make these sites as optimized and compatible as possible. Yet, not all sites meet this compatibility requirement.
To address this, poker sites are developed with HTML5. This technology improves the performance and flexibility of online poker rooms. In addition, HTML5 empowers online poker sites to allow instant play mode by default.
Alternatively, some sites feature a “flash-only” design. Flash design is a simple and effective tool to increase any site’s attraction quotient. Players can get a smooth mobile gaming experience by activating this option in the browser.
Mobile Payment Systems
The advent of technology in payment has changed how we transact. This is no different in the online poker industry. Tech-enhanced mobile payment systems offer safe and convenient access to online poker rooms.
There are numerous payment systems available to poker enthusiasts. The most prevalent one remains the online wallet. Players can use these virtual wallets to fund their accounts without disclosing personal information. E-wallets utilize different processes that ensure safe and secure payment. Some popular examples of e-wallets include PayPal, Google pay, and Apple Pay.
Blockchain has also wholly revolutionized payment globally. This technology offers a fast and reliable way to make payments with little to no extra costs.
Blockchain technology works closely with cryptocurrency. This digital currency improves security through anonymous gambling. Online poker sites employing blockchain technology mitigate any possibility of privacy breaches.
Mobile Application
Poker sites are not the only way to play the game online. Players are also exposed to downloadable mobile poker applications for mobile devices.
This option aims to provide a medium that offers players a slightly more accessible and different gambling experience. Every poker site available today has a downloadable application compatible with mobile devices. Operators also do well to notify players about application updates with new features.
Conclusion
The mobile play option of the poker game has become widespread among gambling enthusiasts. Poker operators realize how important mobile technology is and continue to include it in their operations.
Over time, significant providers such as Microgaming have helped create mobile-friendly poker games. And it’s only a matter of time before all poker variations are available online. In truth, mobile technology is still advancing. Hence, players can expect more developments and impact in poker.
