The nation-wide lockdown has prompted more peopleto turn to online poker, bringing a 60% traffic spike for 888poker.
Poker Giant 888 Sees 60% Increase in Traffic in April
888 Holdings, the companythat operates 888poker and multiple other gambling outlets, has reporteda significant increase in traffic in the United States. According to data releasedby 888, the number of active players is 60% higher year-over-year (YOY).
Head of Commercial Development at 888 Holdings, YanivSherman commented on the number, explaining that there has been an “uptakein daily poker active players” on the company’s U.S. poker platform.
Specifically, Sherman said that the InterstatePoker Network, covering several regulated poker markets in the UnitedStates, has registered the traffic benefits. Sherman also commented on thecompany’s global poker network, confirming that players have been more activein the past few months.
“We are seeing similar trends on our global poker network, a testament of a recreational destination that people are enjoying while sheltering in place.”
Poker is practically returning to the mainstream. Once outlawed as a black sheep in the United States, after the decision in the United States v. Scheinberg ruled that PokerStars, Cereus, Absolute Poker, and Full Tilt Poker had violated the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
The decision dated April 15, 2020,prompted the complete bet646 shutdown of online poker anywhere in the United States.
The First Time in a Long Time Poker Is Growing
The 888poker products have fared well, though. After 2011,Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey hurried up to bring independent legislationsallowing them to conduct online poker and even pool their prize pools.
The company operates in all three markets, and most recently – Pennsylvania. Furthermore, 888 is also hosting the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the world’s most prestigious poker event that has been pushed back to an undisclosed date in the fall of 2020 due to the current lockdown in Nevada.
Commenting on recent developments, Sherman said thatthis had been the first time in a long time that there was a growing pokernetwork and strengthened demand, particularly in the United States.
Sherman emphasized on the importance of providing playerswith the online experience they expect.
“If people can opt for the online experience, they will do it if they have a good online experience. People have more time on their hands and are looking for things to do. Ironically, poker is now more taboo than sports gambling. But at the same time, betting is now entertainment, and so it is easier to get legislation passed that allows for it.”
888poker has a chance to win over new customers, andthe company seems to know how exactly. “This is not the Wild West,” Shermansaid, adding that the company would seek to offer the best experience noviceplayers can get, and help them establish themselves on the platform.
Hopefully, online poker will continue to grow afterthe lockdown is over, or so 888poker and Sherman hope.
