A new study commissioned by Poker Stars shows huge jump in popularity for both Asian and European poker since the mid-2000s. Over those past several years, China, South Korea, Russia, and countries of the former Soviet Union are identified as having the highest rates of growth compared to other regions around the world.
Outside of Asian and European poker growth, Texas Hold’em has also seen a jump in popularity in other regions, although at a lesser rate. South America (particularly Brazil and Peru), along with New Zealand, are producing high participation rates in the game of poker than other countries, according to the Internet gaming site. Canada, Mexico, and the United States are seeing some of the lowest growth rates out of any country, especially compared to European poker and the previously mentioned regions in South America.
That’s not surprising given the regulatory environment in the United States which has presented a major obstacle for online betting websites. In April 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice shut down online poker sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker for allowing individuals from the United States to play.
The U.S. government’s actions caused many American professional players to establish residence in Canada, the Caribbean, Macau, Australia, and of course Europe. That contributes in a very small way to the growth of European poker. However, since 2011 there have been numerous attempts to legalize online poker and Internet casinos. Several states in the U.S., including California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and Mississippi, are seeing efforts by local legislators to pass legislation that would legalize Internet gambling.
Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker, although Internet sites such as Ultimate Poker, which averages about 200 players a day, continue to struggle in getting new players to sign up for accounts. Nevada has awarded online gaming licenses to nearly 30 companies. The Middle East has the lowest growth rate of any region since gambling is outlawed by most Islamic regimes. This story on Asian and European poker originally appeared on the Digital Journal website.
