Poker Trends
Since the lockdown, there has been a massive increase in online poker activity. The average number of online pokers has increased by 43% as some companies experienced a double increase in the number of poker players. Research also shows that most of these poker players had a history of sports betting before shifting gears. Below are three gaming trends to watch with avid curiosity for the next year or two. Trend #1: Legalizing new forms of gambling A shared idea by gaming executives has been the notion that states looking to fill budget gaps will turn to things like sports betting and iGaming. The idea itself is nothing new. Google Trends reveals some telling data about the growth of the game over the past few months, and it shows many poker players are now shifting their focus to playing cards on the internet. The data also indicates that, while online poker’s popularity is higher than before COVID-19, interest has declined a bit since many card rooms around the. Playing Trends in Video Poker The following is taken from Power Video Poker, the Only Video Poker Book You'll Ever Need! Trends are a fact of life in gambling. They occur in virtually every gambling game ever devised. Blackjack dealers go on streaks and win nearly every hand. This is a discussion on Next Gen Poker, what do you see as future trends? Within the online poker forums, in the Tournament Poker section; Poker is always changing as well as the ideas of what is.
Poker is a dynamic industry in terms of vocabulary, with new terms popping up when a need arises to describe a new trend. Back in the early 2010s, the term 'hoodflat' was one of those.
Part of the reason the term may not have blossomed into mainstream poker vocabulary could be the trend away from the strategy to which it refers, which is very much not 'GTO' — but could it be making a comeback?
Defining the Poker Term 'Hoodflat'
The 'hoodflat' is a term that was used to describe flat-calling a raise or reraise with a hand that does not have the correct odds based on the equity of the hand, or calling with a marginal hand with a relatively shallow stack (which is also mathematically not correct when considering implied odds).
In 2010, 'charder30' explained the term in a 2+2 thread as:
'simply, it means calling a bet or raise before the river (usually preflop) in which you're not getting the proper odds; like calling a raise with 15bbs with T8s or peeling a 3 bet with less then 2x pot with some suited BS.'
This type of play has also been referred to as 'street poker' or playing 'street,' and is still referred to as such by many old school players. Terminology trends in recent years seem to categorize strategies on a spectrum of 'GTO' (Game Theory Optimal) and 'Exploitative' play on the opposite end. The hoodflat would definitely fall on the exploitative end, as the play is not GTO, by definition.
Much like the vocabulary used to talk about different poker topics evolves, so do poker strategy trends. With the increasing popularity of GTO solvers and GTO strategy, poker has become a tougher game than it was in the boom years, and has consequently also become more boring to watch, in the opinion of many.
But recently a couple of streamed cash games provided some hope that street poker – and the hoodflat – are making a comeback. The heroes leading the return? Gus Hansen and Kelly Minkin.
Hoodflats by Hansen (Five-Deuce) and Minkin (Seven-Deuce)
In one of the better known varieties in the $1,500/$3,000 Mixed Games edition of Poker After Dark last week, two legends in their own right tangled in a big pot of limit hold'em. The 'Great Dane' Gus Hansen flopped a very strong holding with trip deuces, and no... he was not in the big blind.
As discussed here last week, Hansen had raised with the ol' five-deuce, got three-bet by Brian Rast who had picked up pocket kings, and after Hansen called he flopped trips. Alas for him, a king came on the turn to spoil his fun (see below). Read more about that hand and what happened in 'Brian Rast and Gus Hansen Play Slow, Then Fast on Poker After Dark.'
Another recent televised hand perhaps illustrating the comeback of the hoodflat also showcases a return of the 'seven-deuce' game that was a staple in many old school televised poker games. Designed to help drive some loose action, if any player wins a hand with seven-deuce, whether by default after their opponents fold or with the best hand at showdown, everyone else at the table must pay that player a set amount ($100, for example).
In a Friday Night Poker $5/$10 game that was playing rather big, Kelly Minkin was dealt a chance to try to collect the seven-deuce bounty, and she went for it. With all players at the table donning Halloween costumes and having imbibed an undisclosed number of alcoholic beverages, Justin Young started the action off with a raise to $70 on the button with ace-six offsuit.
Bryan Piccioli called with queen-eight suited in the small blind and Minkin three-bet the seven-deuce to $310. Perhaps sensing weakness, Young four-bet to $1,200 and Piccioli got out of the way.
With effective stacks of around $12,000, an all-in here would be quite extreme, but for Minkin, folding was not really an option either. Enter the hoodflat. Minkin just called the four-bet and Daniel Negreanu in the commentary booth commented, 'Oooh, this is so street!' Hence the term — 'hood' flat.
The flop did not bode well for Minkin, and the commentators quickly lost hope in her likelihood of winning the pot. However, Young opted to check back with his weak top pair, and the revived some hope for Minkin. She led out $1,600 into a pot of $2,500 and Young quickly clicked it back, min-raising to $3,200.
Minkin stared down Young for a while, eventually saying, 'Sticky spot,' before putting in a call.
'What's she doing?' Negreanu asked at this point. 'Does she have a plan to go coo-coo on the river? She can't think the sevens are good.'
Regardless of what her actual plan was, the on the river sent the commentary booth into squeals and Minkin's potential need to bluff the river promptly vanished. She checked it over to the aggressor and Young moved it in.
A possible nit-roll, Minkin took some time, saying, 'I didn't expect this to happen,' and then put the chips in. Upon seeing Young's hand, she proceeded to stand up and needle the table as she collected the well-earned $100 bounties to go with the $23,270 pot in a friendly Friday $5/$10 game. Watch the action unfold below.
A #FridayNightPoker trick and treat from @The_Illest! Watch this crazy 7-2 hand and then get ready for more cash ga… https://t.co/iuLIDrAmuS
Poker Trends
— Poker Central (@PokerCentral)
The hand was so epic, it even inspired Joey Ingram to return to doing a hand breakdown video after a long hiatus.
Fans can catch more of Minkin when she returns to PokerGO this week on Poker After Dark's 888poker week that starts tonight (Nov. 5-6). Who knows — maybe we'll even see some more street poker breaking out.
Less than one week until @888poker takes over #PokerAfterDark! Watch @Moorman1, @MariaHo, @the_Illest, and… https://t.co/fa0mXTab5r
— PokerGO (@PokerGO)Tags
cash game strategyhoodflatflat-callingbluffingimplied oddsGTOgame theory optimal strategyexploitative strategyPoker TermsGus HansenKelly MinkinJustin YoungBrian RastDaniel NegreanuPoker After DarkPokerGOFriday Night PokerRelated Players
Daniel NegreanuGus HansenBrian RastJustin YoungKelly Minkin
With the passing of time, the gambling and gaming industry have exhibited numerous transformations over the course of the past decades. Now, in the modern world, these changes remain and have evolved to include technological advancements. With the the commencement of crypto currency in casinos lat year, many forecast that this year should be another interesting one that is set with new trends to redefine and transform complete areas of this huge industry. Here under are some of the top gambling and gaming trends for online and real casinos in 2021 and the top statistics which may impact the entire casino industry:
Crypto Set to Dominate Around the Gambling World
Cryptocurrencies will continue to dominate the gambling industry with many online platforms accepting the crytpo this year. From deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay in Bitcoin and other digital currencies, many people enjoy and prefer these transactions because of the security and anonymity. Traditional payments will still remain an option for the biggest gambling sites, but now, cryptocurrencies are slowly replacing these old methods because many just prefer being anonymous an untraceable especially with something as sensitive as gambling. On top of that, the added security of crypto make consumers feel more at ease because identity theft and hacking are minimized. Thus, crypto has grown to to become the prime and preferred choice for many gamers and it will continue to be this way for the forthcoming years.
Access Even in Restricted Areas of Gaming
Because cryptos brought to the gambling world anonymity and it is virtually untraceable because people do not tie in their personal information with this digital currency, this has allowed many players from around the world to access and play in online gambling games in localities that originally restricted and outlawed. Imagine, in places that have banned physical casinos, there has been a rise in online gambling sites because of the protection accorded by cryptocurrency. To illustrate, a country like Taiwan with a strict regulations is now seeing a rapid growth of online gambling sites which take cryptocurrencies as a mode of payment. Sites like Online Casino TW engage Taiwanese players to peruse and enjoy gaming through a variety of online casinos that accept Bitcoin. This growing demand will keep improving over the next couple of years as online casinos grow confident to push for promotion and for expansion in these areas. Tapping this under served market is now given primary concern because of the large volume of possible revenue that can be taken from these markets.
Changing Consumer Habits Quickly
With every person having their mobile device, both mobile and social gaming have a huge impact on the online gambling world. There has been an increase in people choosing to use their phone for gaming. As a result, there have been an increase in F2P (free to play) types of game products world wide. While F2P games do not make direct profits and income, and are seen as more for entertainment, revenue can still be made in other ways. Often players pay a small fee to upgrade their favorite game to access certain features. They also willingly pay a minimal amount when they buy a different kinds of virtual offerings and game products for the improvement of their gaming experience. This shows that people are willing to spend on entertainment, and even something deemed as free, is not totally free at all. Both online and casino operators are hard at work to leverage this data to their advantage because these F2P players are potential clients and they have strength in numbers, which one tapped will boost revenue in massive proportions.
Dealing with More Live Dealers
Players show preference over online casinos that show a realistic real live casino from their homes. They enjoy an engaging “real, live” dealer, which is the primary reason they started this gaming habit, while never having to leave the house. Thus, more online casinos are using this information to gain leverage for the benefit of their online sites. On top of that, they beef up the same angle in the brick and mortar casino as well. For instance, the use of dynamic, lively dealers in games like Blackjack and Baccarat are popular with online casinos and many real casinos concentrate their efforts on providing engaging dealers on the casino floor. Ever since the casino industry started, consumers have always been drawn to dealers who possess the quick wit and charm. There is just something about this human interaction that makes it tempting for people to play more and stay longer. With advanced technology, dealers look real and just as engaging online.
VR Based Gaming on the Rise
Virtual Reality or VR is another nifty invention that paves the way for a more immersive casino experience. With more VR accessories readily available to the general public, the push for VR based casinos to evolve is on the horizon and is only a matter of time before everyone has easy access to this virtual reality casinos from the comforts of their own home. Net Entertainment, one of the gambling word’s best and most popular software providers, has recently shown and proven that they are ready to upgrade when they showed a demo of their virtual reality version of their in demand Jack and the Beanstalk slot machine game. Now, there is a strong outcry for the release of more VR versions of their other popular games.
Land Based Casinos on a Decline
Land based casinos are feeling the burn from their online versions and are facing a rapid decline with the recent popularity of online gambling sites. There have been a decrease in rates over the past year, especially since people need to make an effort to make their way down to a real casino. These brick and mortar casinos are concentrated in one area, such as Las Vegas or the Jersey Shore. People have to spend a lot of money to get themselves to these brick and mortar casinos. The amount of money and time wasted before a client can play a game is already exorbitant before he or she even gets to the actual casino. Because of this, consumers are opting to save their transport and other incidental costs, and they channel these figures to online gaming where they can use their money for bets, instead. Online casinos have the edge because they offer more privacy and more convenience to their players. On top of that, online casinos also offer a better and more vibrant gaming experience. Some online casinos have numerous games to offer that players are hard pressed to choose. These games even go through routine upgrades, so clients will always enjoy their experience. This is something which land based casinos cannot be at par with because of their limited games.
Upgrade of Slot Machines
As casinos attempt to attract the younger generation, the industry will continue to incorporate slot machines that are equipped have a skill element. After all, younger guests are adept at these types of gaming features found in their many video games and gaming consoles they grew up playing. This proves that people really want to be engaged and entertained at all times. If they are presented with something that is redundant, they will undoubtedly get bored. And as a casino operator, this is something that you do not want to happen to your clients because the moment they begin to feel bored, that’s when they entertain thoughts of leaving to find other things to do. Upgrading those slot machines mean continuous gaming that feels new and fresh.
Interactive Gaming Systems Modify Interaction
Many online casinos deliver the best online content to meet and address their numerous guests’ expectations. Thanks to technological improvement, users can access entertaining and engaging online games in a more luxurious lounge setting through touch-enabled kiosks, wall panels, and tables. Interactive gaming systems has the power to merge the popularity of online and social gaming to the real casino floor. The name of the game has always been interactive gaming, which is why even when the current casino goers were young, they already enjoyed interactive gaming experiences with their old Atari, Sega, or Nintendo interactive gaming systems.
Introduction of New Table Games
There are games like blackjack and poker that need a level of mastery to play correctly and to increase the odds of winning. Unfortunately, not everyone has this skill, so they are on the look out for games that may be challenging but are easier to learn. As a result, casino operators continue to bring new table games to the floor to see which ones become popular. In addition, as guests become more familiar with online and social games, they are drawn to the same types of games on the casino floor, which is why there has been a rise in interactive gaming systems in brick and mortar casinos.
Gambling Trends In College Football
Smartwatches Bring New iGaming Experience
Placing bets via a smartwatch is now a very really thing. In the past few years, people have been using their cellphones and tablets to connect to online casinos. Now, smartwatches are set to take over as a more convenient and accessible option. Others have predicted that the smart watch industry will reach its global worth of almost $33 billion by 2021, and gambling is slated to be a part of this enormous trend. Wearable technology has always been popular, and it will continue to be so in the coming years with more gaming software developers crafting new games that can be easily integrated in all devices.
Online Poker Trends
Whether online or real casino, the operators goal would be to always give the clients what they want. Aside from providing a high level of customer service, fine dining, rewards programs, and incentives, the primary motivation is to give the best gaming entertainment. Now, the trend is mix the best of interactive online gaming systems and technologies with the traditional charm of the older live based casino.