With over 25 lakh poker players, the poker division of mobile esports and skill gaming platform Mobile Premier League is now the largest poker platform in the nation.
Users of the app come from major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others, and represent a vast range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, tier two and three markets have adopted it quickly over time. The locations with the quickest growth are Thane, Nagpur, Jodhpur, Kanpur, etc.
Currently, tier two and tier three cities, where the company has established a strong foothold, account for over 60% of users. Due to the spread of low-cost smartphones and improved internet connectivity, the mobile gaming app is already accessible in 5,200 towns and cities and is continuously expanding.
MPL said that roughly one-third of poker players are female, and that number is rising quickly as more women gain recognition in this traditionally male-dominated activity. On the platform’s roster of female gamers, there are well-known players like Sharkshe S (Shakshi Shetty).
Country Head of India at MPL, Namratha Swamy, said, “The growth we have seen on our platform attests to the fact that poker is gaining prominence among users in India not just as a hobby, but as a mind sport.”
Poker, along with Bridge, Chess, and Scrabble, is a recognized member of the Mind Sports Olympiad, the world championship for mental skill games, as stated by the International Mind Sports Association.
“Poker, as we know it today, is not just another card game played in a social setting. Numerous Indian players are engaging with the sport and making a living from playing poker,” Swamy added.
Technology and security developments are also responsible for poker’s explosive growth. Users should consider safety, transparency, and fair play before participating in any games with a financial stake.
Swamy also said, “In the current day and age, it is paramount to focus on the processes that make platforms safe and secure for the users. This is why at MPL, we have implemented industry-best security protocols to protect our users from fraud and preserve the top-notch gameplay we want to offer them.”
Inside the gaming market, Poker is expanding at a 35–40% annual rate. With a CAGR of 25%, the gaming sector as a whole is predicted to surpass the $5B mark by 2025.
In order to help users of all skill levels become familiar with the numerous aspects of poker and improve their skills and strategies, MPL earlier created its Poker Academy in collaboration with professional players as part of its effort to promote poker further. Over 85% of poker players on the platform have reaped the benefits so far.