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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Gambling

Online poker

Online poker is poker played over the internet, rather than face to face in a physical venue.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Online poker is poker played over the internet, rather than face to face in a physical venue. It became a major part of the online gaming market in the early 21st century and contributed to a broad increase in poker participation worldwide.

Overview

Online poker is a digital form of poker played remotely through internet-connected devices. It preserves the basic poker structure while replacing the live table with software-based play. The game can be accessed through websites, downloadable software, mobile apps, or browser-based platforms.

Formats and access

Players typically access online poker through a website, desktop client, mobile app, or browser. Platforms commonly offer cash games, scheduled tournaments, and multiple poker variants, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha.

Growth and popularity

Online poker became a significant part of the online gaming industry around the turn of the 21st century. Sources describe it as a major factor in increasing the number of poker players worldwide.

Game structure

As with live poker, players compete to make the best hand or force opponents to fold. Tournaments usually involve a fixed buy-in, equal starting stacks, and increasing blinds over time. Cash games allow players to join and leave at any time with real-money stakes.

Key facts

  • Online poker is the game of poker played over the internet.
  • It can be accessed through websites, downloadable software, mobile apps, or browser-based platforms.
  • Popular variants include Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
  • Online poker is available in cash-game and tournament formats.
  • The format is played 24 hours a day on global platforms.
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Canadian context

Online poker is relevant to Canadian readers because poker is widely played in Canada and online gambling platforms are part of the broader Canadian gaming market, though rules and legality vary by province and operator.

Frequently asked questions

What is online poker?
Online poker is poker played over the internet on digital platforms instead of in a physical poker room.
How do people play online poker?
Players use a website, desktop application, mobile app, or browser-based service to join cash games or tournaments.
What poker variants are common online?
Texas Hold'em and Omaha are among the most common online poker variants, though other forms are also offered.
Is online poker the same as live poker?
The rules of the poker variant are usually the same, but the format differs because online play is remote and software-based.
Why did online poker become popular?
Sources note that it became a large part of online gaming and helped increase the number of poker players worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_poker
    Supports: Defines online poker as poker played over the Internet and notes its growth in popularity.
  2. PCMag — https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/online-poker
    Supports: Defines online poker and describes its rise as a major part of the online gaming world.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/poker-card-game
    Supports: States that poker is played in casinos and over the Internet and summarizes core gameplay.
  4. PokerStars — https://www.pokerstars.com/
    Supports: Describes online poker as a digital version of poker, lists common variants, and explains cash-game and tournament formats.
  5. Poker.org — https://www.poker.org/poker-terms/
    Supports: Defines online poker as poker played over the Internet rather than live in a brick-and-mortar venue.