Online Poker Market Forecast to Reach $22.4 Billion by 2034

A new market study suggests sustained expansion for the global online poker sector over the coming decade, driven by mobile adoption, digital entertainment demand, and broader internet access.

Good to Know

• The online poker market is projected to more than triple in value by 2034
• Mobile-first platforms are a central growth driver
• Cheating, regulation, and payment controls remain key risks

Online Poker Market Projected to Reach $22.4 Billion by 2034

The global online poker market is expected to grow sharply over the next decade, according to a study released by Custom Market Insights. The report estimates market value will rise from $6.3 billion in 2025 to $22.4 billion by 2034.

That trajectory implies a compound annual growth rate of 15.2 percent over the forecast period. The study links the outlook to wider adoption of digital entertainment and growing comfort with technology-driven gaming formats.

“With the increased penetration of mobile phones, rising availability of internet, and enhanced demand for internet-based entertainment, the usage of online poker games will be likely to see significant growth in the years to come,” the report said.

The analysis places online poker within a broader shift toward interactive digital leisure. According to the study, demand continues to expand as more users engage with competitive online formats and as platforms improve gameplay, design, and accessibility.

“The worldwide online poker game market is thriving in the backdrop of the wider digital entertainment explosion, driven by an expanding technology-sensitive base of consumers and innovations in game technology.”

Mobile usage plays a central role in that shift. Smartphones now account for a large share of online poker activity, prompting operators to redesign products for smaller screens and touch-based play.

The report also points to changing player preferences. Interactive and competitive sessions attract users looking for skill-based online gaming rather than passive formats. As a result, more operators continue to enter the space, increasing competition across regions.

“With the maturity of the online poker ecosystem, existing gaming operators and newcomers alike are entering the market, which is diversifying the market, and thus the market is becoming more competitive and inclusive,” Custom Market Insights reported.

From a product perspective, Texas hold em is expected to remain the most widely played format. Other variants, including Omaha and Seven Card Stud, are also forecast to see steady growth as player pools broaden.

Geographically, the study highlights North America and Asia as major growth engines. North America remains one of the most lucrative regions due to established player bases and regulated markets. Asia continues to offer scale through population size and rising mobile usage. Latin America is also described as a region of gradual expansion, supported by smartphone adoption, expanding internet access, and growing interest in digital entertainment.

Despite the optimistic outlook, the report outlines several constraints. Cheating and fraud remain persistent issues, particularly as technology advances. Recent years have seen repeated concerns tied to poker bots, real-time assistance tools, multi-accounting, and ghosting. In 2024, a large-scale poker bot operation uncovered in Siberia highlighted the scale of enforcement challenges.

Regulation represents another risk. The study notes that bans or restrictive policies could slow growth if more jurisdictions limit or prohibit online poker. India banned online poker in 2025, and the country supreme court is currently considering a ruling on the issue.

Payment processing also poses challenges. According to the report, tighter controls by financial institutions and governments could complicate deposits and withdrawals, adding friction for operators and players alike.

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