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Online poker business is one of the ways to make money, but it has to be planned out properly and by using the right tools. Choosing reliable poker software, hiring a qualified development team, acquiring the necessary licenses, and having a good marketing plan are some of the things you will need to do.
We will take you through every step of creating and launching your poker online website in this blog. If you are a newcomer to the gaming industry or just looking to extend your current business, this brief guide will help you understand things better and be able to follow them easily.
How about we delve into the poker business idea and see how you can make it a roaring success?
The worldwide poker market size was around $86.2 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach $306.75 billion by 2032 according to the source cited. The growth rate of the market is 13.6% CAGR for the period 2023-2032.
Such a massive figure for the global poker industry evidently indicates that a poker online business is worth thousands of dollars of revenue.
Setting up an online poker business of your own can be very easy if you follow this step-by-step plan.
If you are going to do something new, the first step would be to select a business model that would match your objectives. Your business model will be instrumental in telling what your platform will look like, the features it will have, and the revenue that it will generate. Basically, you can choose between these three options:
B2C (Business-to-Consumer)
As a result, your poker platform becomes a community center for casual gamers, a place where anyone can simply log in and join a match or tournament. The game services provide the users with a number of different options like; rules, schedules, formats, and the overall experience. This model will work best if your main goal is to capture a huge audience of poker players.
Club-Based Model
In this case, the players have an option of forming a group or simply becoming members of a poker club that is of their interest. This leads us to the conclusion that the number of members that will be playing in that particular club will be the only people who are invited and therefore a private gaming experience is achieved. Suitable for small groups, communities, or friends who want to enjoy a game that is controlled and customized.
Hybrid Model (B2C + Club-Based)
It is a combination of both types. People are allowed to take part in any public game or may decide to establish clubs where they can meet privately. The most significant flexibility offers that model as it permits to be on the one hand publicly involved and on the other hand fans of private matches may still be catered. This model contributes to the increase of platform users' engagement, retention, and loyalty.
The right poker software provider is the partner that you should focus on most when considering your next move. The market is full of companies that promise to give you the best solutions, so you have to assess them rigorously. Shortlist the providers based on their experience, quality of the product, the feedback of the clients, and if their prices fit your budget. The perfect provider for you should not only fulfill your requirements, but it should also surpass them.
Most of all, the factors to evaluate are:
Industry Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors. Choose the companies that have at least 8–10 years of experience in the poker or gaming software industry. A company that has been around for a long time shows that it has a high level of expertise, it is dependable, and it has a thorough understanding of industry trends.
Portfolio
A diverse portfolio presents the company's previous projects, products, milestones, and advanced skills. It helps you to be absolutely clear about their standards for development and also whether they have created platforms like the one you have in mind.
Client Testimonials
Client testimonials show you the provider's performance, the quality of the support, and the ability to deliver what they promise. Testimonials help you to trust the company and therefore, deciding whether the company is a good fit for your project becomes easier.
When figuring out the process of how to start an online poker app, you will understand almost immediately that the choice of software is the most important factor. The software you pick has a major impact on the functioning of your platform, your brand growth, and your success over time. The right tool not only makes your work more efficient but also improves the customer experience and supports your growth in a hassle-free way.
There are three major types of poker software that you can consider:
White Label Poker Software
This is a ready-made solution that needs very little setting up. You just insert your branding, and it’s good to go. This type of solution is the best for those businesses that want to be quickly present in the market and at a lower price. On the other hand, the level of customization is very limited to just the logo and basic branding elements.
Source Code Poker Software
With this alternative, you have full ownership and control over the platform. You can change the platform’s features, UI/UX, and even the working of the platform as per your desire. The cost of setting up is higher but there are no license fees that need to be paid regularly. A source code poker platform is the right choice of a visionary entrepreneur who wants to establish a fully customized poker platform and make it his/her long-term business.
Turnkey Poker Software
The use of a turnkey solution is as fast as the use of a white-label software but a user can customize it more. The essential features, payment methods, and admin tools are already set up in the software package that you get. While the provider is responsible for updates and support, this model offers a compromise between cost, customization, and readiness.
If you want to have a poker site online and it is within the law then you have to get a gambling license. Not following licensing regulations can cause you to be fined a large amount of money, your business may be closed down, or you may even be taken to court. Licensing authorities of high standards such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority, and Curacao eGaming provide licenses for online poker operations that are accessible to the international market. A recognized license is a trust signal for users, it helps to give your platform more credibility and it is an assurance that you are allowed to carry out your business without any risks of being caught by law.
A good poker platform is not enough to make it successful. Marketing is the means by which you take your business from the ground to the sky of success. After the completion of your platform, you should concentrate on letting people know about it and getting the players. Promote yourself through social media, SEO, paid advertisements, and influencer partnerships to get in touch with more people.
By networking with famous poker players or gaming communities, you can get more people to know about your brand and therefore the number of visitors coming to you without you having to pay for them will increase. Also, do not forget to advertise the unique features, bonuses, and rewards of your platform; these are the factors that most of the time lead players to make a choice of your platform rather than that of competitors.
An online poker platform is a perfect business venture as it can generate you loads of profit in due time. Luckily the industry offers multiple money-making strategies which you can use to generate consistent and scalable revenue. In that order, here are the most popular business models that successful poker businesses use to make money:
In-App Advertisements
This model exposes the ads to the poker interface, like banners, video ads, or pop-ups. The revenue is generated when the players view or interact with these ads. Experimenting with this approach to free-to-play platforms is excellent as it ensures a continuous income without charging the players directly.
Premium Features
One can top up active characters with the aforementioned features in-game by one-time buying or subscription. These special features can be turned into exclusivity game modes, advanced analytics, cool avatars, or even customization options. One can choose to monetize the premium upgrades either in the form of one-time purchases or recurring subscriptions hence keeping the base game free while monetizing enhanced experiences.
Paid Game Model
In this model, players are required to pay an entry fee to have the opportunity to participate in the tournaments or special tables. The revenue generated will be the money used to cover the percentage of each event taken from the fees. The model is a good fit for the poker players' community, particularly for those who are interested in playing for real money and want to experience competitive gameplay.
In-Game Purchases
What the players need to do is just buy virtual chips, unique avatars, boosters, or in other words, digital items. The reason why it works well for free-to-play poker apps is that the users are enabled to upgrade their gameplay or unlock exclusive content without mandatory fees. This monetization model keeps everything balanced between player engagement and revenue accommodation.
Poker software must have the latest features and AI systems with which the user will get an exciting and, most importantly, trouble-free experience. Features such as the ability to customize the poker tables, numerous game variants, simple navigation, and secure payment gateways. The same features, if properly executed, will serve the growth of the community as more and more players will return to your platform.
1. Must-Have Features for an Engaging Gameplay Experience
2. Simple Interface (UI)
The UI is the very first contact of users, and it counts. An interface, confusing or overloaded, will be the fastest way for users to leave your platform. User-friendly layout that is clean, intuitive, and visually attractive to the user is essential for all tasks taking place on your platform, like playing, exploring, and contacting the support team. The better the UI, the more you can rely on it for players’ loyalty.
3. Interoperability between Devices
In 2026 a player should be able to continue playing on a new device without any hassle or interruption. Your poker software must be capable of performing equally well on Android, iOS, Windows, or any web browser. Cross-platform is a two-way street, on one side, it is good for business as your market will increase and, on the other hand, it is good for users as they get the same functionality wherever they are without the need for different apps.
4. Support for Customers
Running an online poker platform is not a piece of cake, and there might be an issue at any time. A provider who offers you the possibility to interact with his team 24/7 and quick responses should be your choice. Being perfectly supported from a technical point of view will not only enable your platform to run smoothly but also increase customer satisfaction and earn their trust which, in turn, results in their loyalty to your brand.
5. Cost vs. Value
Poker game development cost is of great importance but it should not solely be the reason for your decision. Do a comparative analysis of the provider’s prices, features, and benefits over a longer period of time. There are times when you have to pay a little extra to get better security, technology, and scalability which will turn out to be a wiser investment in the long run enabling sustainable growth.
The worldwide appeal of poker is something that just keeps growing, and with the gradual turn to digital gaming, online poker has become one of the most profitable business ventures in the gaming industry. If you are wondering where to put your money next, the following reasons why the online poker business is a place of choice will convince you:
Infrastructure Cost Is Low
An online poker platform is much less expensive than a physical casino or poker room. There is no necessity for land, physical infrastructure, and the costs of maintenance are small. Basically, you spend on software and your marketing, which makes it quite cost-efficient compared to a traditional setup.
Massive Global Audience
The key factor that makes online poker so appealing is the huge number of players it has from almost every part of the world. Unlike traditional casinos, online sites eliminate not only geographical but also time constraints. Due to the fact that players can make a connection anytime and from anywhere, there is the main reason for higher engagement, rapid expansion, and increased player retention.
High ROI
If paired with the correct marketing and platform features, an online poker business is capable of scaling enormously and within a short period. Revenue rises with the increase of traffic. Businesses thus have the chance to achieve a very good return on investment (ROI) and enjoy long-term profits, especially if they use a recurring monetization model like entry fees, ads, and in-app purchases.
Popularity of Mobile Gaming Is on the Rise
The advent of the smartphone has dramatically changed the way we play. Nowadays, a great number of players choose to use mobile platforms rather than visiting physical casinos because of the convenience and accessibility offered. As mobile gaming has become the leading force in the market, investing in an online poker business is a good move as it will allow you to ride this digital wave which is still ongoing.
It requires some preparation and the correct know-how to start an online poker business. The majority of business owners who decide to outsource rather than create a team in-house, find that it is quicker, less expensive, and guarantees results of a higher professional level.
Orion InfoSolutions having a stellar track record in poker software development is the right choice if you want high-quality poker software that meets your business needs. Want to establish your platform right away? Share your project information through the inquiry form and receive the first-step assistance to make your poker idea real.
I am a programmer & custom casino and sports software developer at Orion InfoSolutions, with a particular focus on creating high-performance, scalable, and compliant gaming software platforms.