Poker After the Pandemic: How COVID-19 Reshaped Online Play and Player Behaviour

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed many industries, but few have seen such a rapid and lasting shift as the world of poker. When live events were cancelled and physical casinos shut their doors, poker players flocked to online platforms in record numbers. But the transition wasn’t just a temporary fix — it marked a new era for online poker that continues to evolve in 2025.

Surge in Online Poker During and After Lockdowns

In the early months of the pandemic, platforms like PokerStars, GGPoker and partypoker experienced unprecedented spikes in traffic. With players confined to their homes, many rediscovered their passion for the game, while others found poker for the first time. According to industry analytics platform GameIntel, global online poker traffic rose by over 50% between March and May 2020, a trend that sustained well into 2021 and beyond.

As live poker rooms gradually reopened, many players chose to stick with the digital version due to its convenience and accessibility. This led to an expansion of online tournament schedules, with daily events attracting thousands of participants. Major series such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) moved online, attracting massive player pools and multi-million-dollar prize pools.

Fast forward to 2025, online poker platforms continue to benefit from the growth. Hybrid events — combining online qualifiers and live finals — have become the new norm, bridging the gap between virtual and physical gameplay while offering broader access to global participants.

New Habits and Game Preferences

The shift to online play reshaped the habits of poker players. Many casual players who joined during lockdown stayed for the convenience, leading to a higher demand for quick, low-stakes games. Fast-fold formats like Zoom and Blitz poker gained popularity due to their speed and simplicity.

At the same time, the rise of mobile poker apps allowed players to engage in games anywhere, anytime. Operators focused heavily on optimising mobile experiences, which became a key driver of retention and daily activity. In 2025, most leading poker sites report that over 65% of hands are now played on smartphones and tablets.

There’s also been a noticeable diversification in game selection. While No-Limit Hold’em remains dominant, games like Pot-Limit Omaha, Short Deck and mixed variants have seen increased attention, driven by streaming influencers and content creators introducing them to wider audiences.

Psychological Effects and Behavioural Trends

The isolation and stress of the pandemic affected players’ psychology and decision-making. Many used online poker as a form of social interaction, joining games with webcams or participating in community-run tournaments. This social element helped combat loneliness but also led to changes in gameplay dynamics, particularly in home games and club formats.

With more recreational players entering the field, online tables saw a temporary shift in strategy balance. Regulars adapted to a wider range of playing styles, often facing looser and more unpredictable opponents. This period also highlighted the importance of bankroll management and mental resilience, with platforms offering responsible gaming tools to protect players from overspending.

In 2025, behaviour analytics show that players who began during the pandemic are more likely to use built-in tracking features and learning tools. They also display more cautious betting patterns, having been introduced to the game in an uncertain and often emotionally charged environment.

Responsible Gambling and Platform Tools

As the player base diversified, so did the need for robust responsible gambling mechanisms. Operators quickly enhanced their tools, offering customisable deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. In the UK and EU, stricter regulations mandated visible access to these tools at all times during play.

Many platforms also introduced AI-driven monitoring to detect problematic behaviour, sending users early warning messages or offering support links. These features became particularly valuable during the pandemic and remain standard practice in 2025.

Educational initiatives also expanded. Partnering with mental health organisations, major poker operators now offer in-app advice, well-being check-ins, and access to helplines. This ensures that new players, particularly those introduced during lockdowns, receive ongoing support as they continue to engage with the game.

The Professional Scene and Economic Impacts

For professional players, the pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities. With the live circuit halted, many had to retool their strategies and switch entirely to online formats. Earnings shifted from live sponsorships and televised events to online stream monetisation, coaching, and content creation.

In 2025, hybrid poker careers are more common than ever. Top players maintain Twitch or YouTube channels, post strategy breakdowns on subscription platforms, and coach via private video sessions. This diversification has become essential for sustaining income and visibility in an increasingly digital poker world.

The online ecosystem has also allowed for broader participation from countries previously underrepresented in live circuits. Players from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia now make up a growing share of high-stakes regulars — a shift driven by online accessibility and lower cost of entry compared to traditional travel-heavy schedules.

Live Poker Rebound and New Hybrid Models

While online poker flourished, the live scene has also seen a careful resurgence. Major events like the EPT and WSOP have resumed, but with integrated online qualifiers and health protocols still in place in many locations. Attendance remains strong, bolstered by the online audience converting to live players.

Some events now follow a hybrid model, with Day 1 played online and final tables live-streamed from physical venues. This structure reduces costs for players while maintaining the excitement and prestige of live competition. It also expands the reach of organisers by attracting broader global participation.

In 2025, this dual approach is standard practice. Online poker has not replaced live play but complemented it — creating a more inclusive, flexible ecosystem where players can choose the format that best fits their lifestyle and goals.