During the COVID-19 pandemic, online poker is likely to increase its audience with new and old players coming to poker rooms. Poker affiliates should expand their portfolio.
Online poker is currently one of the few games that are not losing its audience. As the Coronavirus forced the majority of the world into self-isolation, people have to stay engaged. With the majority of sports events canceled, there is a gap that needs to be filled.
Poker is a game of skill, and currently, people have plenty of time to train their skills. If you are a poker player, this is an excellent time to practice. If you are a poker affiliate, now you can enlarge your network and expand your portfolio.
Poker players, now you can really enjoy the game. Due to COVID-19 outbreak measures, people are on leave from work and have relatively more spare time than usual. As half of the world is advised to stay in the privacy of their home, we expect to see a very diversified audience at the poker tables.
A decade ago, as online poker was building up its momentum, players were very diverse in terms of skill. We expect to see a similar situation during this crisis, as many recreational players will return to poker. Not so much to make money, but to enjoy the game with others. A virtual poker room will become a place for gathering, a place filled with emotion.
But we will also see land-based poker players migrating to online poker. Just like any other type of event, poker tournaments are canceled or postponed indefinitely. Enthusiastic poker players won’t be able to attend any events. Thus, we might see an increase in experienced players filling up the online poker rooms.
Currently, one of the biggest running poker series is the Powerfest by Partypoker, which started on March 15 and is running until March 29.
The Powerfest is definitely a tournament for all bankrolls. Events are ranging from Low up to Super High Roller, so you can join even if you want to have fun. The buy-in ranges from 0.55 USD to 25,500 USD.
Image: Partypoker
Powerfest’s prize money pool is worth 20 million USD. At least 14 players are guaranteed to walk away with 100,000 USD.
Affiliates have the perfect opportunity to increase their players’ network. We expect three steams of new players:
Ewallets are the most preferred deposit and payout method in poker rooms. Skrill and Neteller currently dominate the market. Therefore, this are two products that poker affiliates can add to their portfolio. Being a Skrill affiliate or Neteller affiliate not only creates a revenue stream for the affiliate but also a service to poker players. Skrill and Neteller Affiliates can upgrade their clients to Skrill or Neteller VIP instantly and increase deposit and payout limits.
During the global health crisis, it is not just the physical health that needs to be considered. People are forced to spend weeks in isolation, therefore they need to find ways to develop their skills and stay social. For many players, poker will be the game that will keep them safe and profitable.
Poker affiliates have an opportunity to support their networks, also by expending their affiliate portfolio. Adding ewallets like Skrill and Neteller will bring benefits for the affiliate and his clients, and there are affiliate programs like Paynura that can offer full support.
