Some games have a universal appeal that transcends the medium in which they are played, earning a permanent spot in players’ hearts and minds. Poker certainly falls into this category, as it remains one of the most popular card games in the digital era.
From dusty saloons of the Old West to modern AI-assisted online casinos, the game remained essentially the same and still relies on a combination of strategy, fast calculations, and killer instinct.
One thing that does change over time is the interface. Virtual poker rooms are vastly different from a traditional poker table, providing much quicker and simpler access to the game.
As the underlying technology continues to advance, many poker sites are looking for ways to turn it into tangible benefits for the users. Here is what you need to know about the next wave of innovation that will forever change how we play poker on the internet.
Why Is AI An Important Technology for Poker Providers?
It took a long time for poker sites to shake off their early constraints and grow into mainstream entertainment assets. The questions of integrity and security have largely been resolved, while the software runs very smoothly, and glitches are extremely rare.
Still, the current generation of websites is far from perfect, and there are many areas where an improvement would be welcome, from customer assistance to prevention of problem gambling.
AI tools are incredibly versatile and capable of automating very labor-intensive processes, which is why there is hope they could solve many of the remaining issues that poker providers face.
It’s also worth mentioning that iGaming markets are highly competitive, so offering AI-powered features before the competition carries a guaranteed boost in popularity as well as traffic. Platforms that ignore the available upgrades are at risk of being left behind and giving up market share to more agile rivals.
What Benefits for the Players Can AI Bring to the Table?
Online poker websites are complex and dynamic environments, where those who navigate the obstacles better have a sizeable edge.
The players need all the help they can get to quickly break down the rules of different poker versions, work out the best way to use a promotion, or prepare a strategy for a big tournament.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to contribute to all of the above, streamlining the preparation of new members and helping experienced players to hone their skills even further.
Since contemporary chatbots are capable of conversing in a variety of languages, they are especially valuable to players in Canada’s online casino who don’t speak English as their first language. This means these players can easily get accurate answers to their questions regarding anything, from game rules to bonuses and promotions.
How Can AI Technology Deepen Interaction?
Things can get lonely for a dedicated poker player who spends a lot of time in online competitions. Beyond the game itself, there are limited opportunities for interacting with people or even digital features.
This is especially true for high-volume players who are so consumed by the strategic aspect of the game that they hardly have the time to think about anything else. However, AI-powered tools that are a part of the interface could open some interesting possibilities.
At the very least, having an extra channel for instant communication lets players find an outlet for venting, which can be important for maintaining emotional stability in charged moments.
Seamless integration of AI into the user interface is the decisive factor, though, since players are unlikely to embrace anything that requires them to look away from the table.
How Fast Are Poker Companies Adopting AI?
Over the previous two or three years, generative AI applications have started appearing in many different niches, and gaming sites are no exception. Since iGaming companies are generally tech-oriented, most of them are eager to add AI to the mix.
However, execution has been lagging behind the hype so far, and there are multiple reasons why this is the case. It’s very expensive to train and deploy custom-built AI systems that could be integrated into the existing platforms rather than just added on top of them.
On the other hand, ready-made tools available today were not built specifically for online gaming and may not be able to perform advanced gaming functions with full confidence. These issues will surely be resolved in the near future, but so far, AI has been more of a topping than the main dish on poker sites.
What Will Poker Websites Look Like In the Future?
Nobody knows for sure, and that’s what’s exciting! Increased automation and access to targeted insights are almost certain to improve the experience and make online poker more accessible to the average person.
But what happens when every player can get help from a powerful AI during a high stakes game? How will the rules evolve to account for this, and will the timeless game remain as competitive and thrilling as it is today?
The issue of Real-Time Assistance (RTA) is a serious one in modern poker as it represents a real threat to the integrity of the game. While AI can be powerful in helping players learn away from the tables, actively using it while playing is a sophisticated form of cheating.
The face of online poker is changing, and AI is bound to play a significant role in that change. If done right, its implementation could significantly boost the playing experience and help the game reach more people, and we can only hope that poker sites, with the help of the entire community, will stir things in the right direction.
