Blockchain and Online Poker: A Perfect Match?

Over the past 20 years, the popularity of online poker has skyrocketed as players can access tables and tournaments from anywhere in the globe.

01:35 23 November 2023

Over the past 20 years, the popularity of online poker has skyrocketed as players can access tables and tournaments from anywhere in the globe thanks to the internet. But issues with transparency, security, and fairness have plagued the online poker market, stunting its expansion and making some players suspicious. The development of blockchain technology offers a fascinating remedy and you can try these poker games online for real money to see just how much the industry has changed and adopted blockchain technology.

Fundamentally, blockchain is a peer-to-peer network of decentralized digital ledgers that securely and openly record data and transactions. Data integrity is guaranteed and hacking and tampering are prevented through the use of cryptographic algorithms. Blockchain technology has the ability to provide fair games, get rid of fraud, and foster confidence in online poker.

The absence of verifiable fairness in online poker has been one of the major complaints. Online players must have faith that the game's other mechanisms, like as card shuffling algorithms, are genuinely random, in contrast to live poker where players may witness the actual transaction. Regrettably, it has come to light that a number of online poker rooms manipulate algorithms in order to favor the house. Players may independently confirm card dealing and shuffling on blockchain, allowing the technology to establish algorithmically that gameplay is random and fair. Ethereum-based decentralized card shuffling techniques are used by sites such as Virtue Poker. Gamers can employ cryptography to verify that no one can affect or anticipate the results of the game—not even the house.

New paradigms for player identity and responsibility are also made possible by blockchain. "Bots" and forbidden duplicate accounts are regularly encountered in online poker in an attempt to exploit the system. Blockchain-based decentralized identity management enables the creation of distinct digital IDs linked to biometrics. It is possible to reinforce anti-collusion measures to stop bots from manipulating games. Although privacy is crucial, anonymity has allowed certain gamers to engage in predatory conduct and rampant multi-accounting. Assigning identities consistently to real people encourages responsibility and fair play.

A number of innovative poker sites have developed, utilizing the potential of blockchain technology:

• Virtue Poker – Fully decentralized peer-to-peer poker built on Ethereum using ConsenSys software. Features random card shuffling and dealing, secure buy-ins and cash-outs with no middleman risk, and anti-collusion through universal player tagging.

• Unikrn – Licensed blockchain-based poker and esports betting platform with fully fiat-integrated customer accounts and anti-fraud KYC. Uses UnikoinGold (UKG) tokens that can be purchased with major currencies and used for gameplay.

• CoinPoker – Cryptocurrency-only poker room using CHP tokens. Uses digital signatures and hashes for provable randomness. All transactions use CHP with no deposits or withdrawals in fiat currencies.

• TrueFlip – Online lottery, slots, and poker games where TrueFlip tokens (TFL) are used for bets and payouts. Utilizes blockchain transaction verification for fair gameplay.

The success of these early systems has demonstrated the feasibility of blockchain-based online poker, but as technology advances, there is still a great deal of room for further development. Potential developments include virtual reality integration, cross-platform interoperability, and internet-enabled physical poker tables. Poker can now innovate in a way that fosters player confidence and trust unlike anything else thanks to blockchain technology.

Blockchain offers a vital basis and toolkit to address persistent difficulties, even though it does not completely resolve all the problems with online poker. The fundamental characteristics of blockchain enhance transparency, security, identity management, financial integrity, and auditable unpredictability. Early skepticism about the legitimacy of online poker can ultimately be dispelled when more players engage in fair, tamper-proof action. Blockchain might be the winning move that elevates the legality and popularity of online poker to new heights if used carefully.

Naturally, online poker powered by blockchain technology is still in its infancy. Overcoming technological obstacles related to scalability, user experience, and accessibility for regular players will be necessary for widespread adoption. To gain players' trust, the platforms will have to prove that they operate in a truly random and error-free manner over a prolonged length of time. Furthermore, age limitations and responsible gaming policies will still need to be in place on poker sites.

However, the groundwork has been set for blockchain to significantly improve online poker. Blockchain has the potential to improve poker by adding verifiable fairness while maintaining the ease of playing online by utilizing its strengths in security, decentralization, and transparency. Blockchain technology has the potential to transform online poker into a transparent and reliable ecosystem as it develops.

Although blockchain technology has great potential, it will take industry cooperation, ongoing technological advancement, and updated legal frameworks to fully realize its benefits in online poker. As more participants become familiar with decentralized systems that are fair, they can encourage adoption by putting pressure on all websites to be transparent. One innovative hand at a time, blockchain has the potential to positively turn poker into a completely modernized digital game with perseverance and patience. The deck is stacked for this exciting new chapter in online poker history.