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Tag: Poker

  • Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    NEW DELHI: The Indian parliament on Friday pushed through a controversial law banning the operation, facilitation and advertising of online money games, amid noisy opposition protests over the lack of debate.

    The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha a day after clearing the Lok Sabha—makes online money gaming punishable with up to three years in prison and fines of as much as Rs 1 crore. Offences will be cognisable and non-bailable.

    Tabling the bill, electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likened money-gaming addiction to drug abuse and accused powerful vested interests of fuelling terror finance through gaming platforms. He said roughly 45 crore Indians had lost money online, with annual losses pegged at Rs 20,000 crore.

    The legislation bans all forms of online betting and gambling—from fantasy sports and poker to rummy, lotteries and other card games—and bars banks and payment providers from processing related transactions. 

    Advertising such services will invite up to two years’ jail and fines of Rs 50 lakh, while facilitating payments could mean three years in prison and Rs 1 crore in penalties. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences of up to five years and Rs 2 crore in fines.

    Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the government for forcing the bill through without discussion, even as union minister Kiren Rijiju said protests made a debate impossible.

    Vaishnaw stressed the bill distinguishes between harmful money games and esports. Speaking to ANI, he said the government aims to “promote and encourage the good parts” of online gaming, and to make India a hub for development through the planned Indian Institute of Creative Technologies.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi, addressing an NDA meeting, hailed the online gaming ban as a reform with “far-reaching impact”, while accusing the opposition of reducing the monsoon session to disruption.

    NDTV reported that the government will also act against “big people” attempting to sway opinion through media and social media campaigns against the ban.

  • Benefits of Playing Poker Online: Beyond Entertainment

    Benefits of Playing Poker Online: Beyond Entertainment

    With the digital revolution, poker has found its way onto our screens, providing millions of players worldwide the chance to enjoy this skill-based card game from the comfort of their homes. While many people associate online poker with entertainment, its benefits go far beyond that. From sharpening cognitive skills to fostering social connections and even offering potential financial rewards, online poker is much more than a recreational pastime.

    In this article, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of playing poker online and why it has gained such immense popularity among gamers and non-gamers alike.

    1. Improved Cognitive and Analytical Skills

    Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and decision-making. Unlike games based on luck, poker requires players to think critically and analytically about each move they make. Playing poker online regularly can help sharpen these cognitive skills in several ways:

    ●  Critical Thinking: Players must evaluate the hands of their opponents, the community cards, and their own cards to make informed decisions. This helps in honing critical thinking skills that are valuable in everyday life.

    ●  Pattern Recognition: Over time, players develop the ability to recognize patterns in their opponents’ betting behavior and adjust their strategy accordingly. This skill can be transferred to problem-solving in real-life situations.

    ●  Memory Enhancement: Remembering previous rounds and learning from past games improves memory retention. Online poker allows players to analyze their hands, track their progress, and revisit previous games, which aids in long-term memory development.

    By regularly engaging in the mental exercise that poker provides, players can strengthen their problem-solving abilities, patience, and decision-making skills – qualities that benefit them in both personal and professional life.

    2. Convenience and Accessibility

    One of the primary advantages of online poker is its accessibility. Gone are the days when you needed to find a physical poker table or visit a casino to play the game. With online platforms, poker is available 24/7, and you can play from anywhere, be it at home, on your commute, or during a break.

    ●  Play Anytime, Anywhere: Online poker allows you to join a game from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Whether you’re playing a quick hand or engaging in a lengthy tournament, poker is accessible whenever you want it.

    ●  No Geographical Boundaries: Online poker brings together players from around the world, breaking down geographical barriers. You can compete with individuals from different countries, cultures, and skill levels, which enriches your experience and provides an opportunity to learn diverse strategies.

    ●  Multiple Game Formats: Online poker platforms offer various game formats – cash games, sit-and-go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments – that cater to different time frames and player preferences. You can choose the format that fits your schedule and playing style.

    This convenience makes online poker an appealing option for people with busy lifestyles who still want to enjoy the game without the hassle of traveling to a physical location.

    3. Social Interaction and Community Building

    Contrary to the misconception that online poker is a solitary activity, it actually provides numerous opportunities for social interaction. Most poker platforms come with chat features and multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to engage with opponents, share strategies, and even build friendships over time.

    ●  Engaging with Players Worldwide: Online poker connects players from different parts of the globe, providing a unique social experience. You can chat with players during games, discuss strategies, and even make friends across different countries.

    ●  Online Poker Communities: Many poker enthusiasts join online poker communities, forums, and social media groups to share tips, experiences, and updates. These communities foster a sense of belonging and create a collaborative learning environment.

    ●  Team-Based Tournaments: Some online poker platforms offer team-based tournaments, where players can join forces with others to compete as a group. This not only promotes teamwork but also enhances social bonding within the gaming ecosystem.

    Playing online poker helps to bridge the gap between isolation and social interaction, allowing players to stay connected with friends and make new connections, even when playing remotely.

    4. Development of Patience and Emotional Control

    Poker is a game that requires emotional discipline and self-control. Online poker, with its fast-paced environment, tests a player’s ability to manage their emotions and maintain composure during both wins and losses.

    ●  Emotional Discipline: Poker players often face moments of frustration, such as losing a big hand or missing out on a potential win. Learning how to control these emotions and avoid tilt (a state of emotional agitation) is an essential skill that translates into other areas of life, such as managing stress at work or in relationships.

    ●  Delayed Gratification: Winning at poker often requires long-term planning, patience, and the ability to wait for the right moment to make a move. The discipline to delay gratification is a valuable life skill that can improve decision-making in various real-world scenarios.

    By regularly playing poker online, players learn to regulate their emotions, remain calm under pressure, and cultivate patience – traits that prove beneficial in day-to-day challenges.

    5. Potential for Financial Rewards

    While it is important to note that poker is not a guaranteed way to make money, there is potential for financial rewards for those who invest time and effort in mastering the game. Many online platforms offer multiple poker variations, real-money games and tournaments, where skilled poker players can compete for cash prizes.

    ●  Earning Real Cash: Online poker offers players the chance to earn money by participating in cash games or tournaments. Skilled players who apply strategy, bankroll management, and analytical thinking can accumulate significant earnings over time.

    ●  Low-Stakes Opportunities: Unlike physical casinos, where the entry fees for poker tables can be high, online platforms often offer low-stakes games that are more accessible to casual players. This provides a safe and affordable environment for beginners to practice and improve their skills before moving on to higher-stakes games.

    ●  Poker as a Side Income: For seasoned players, online poker can become a part-time source of income. While this requires dedication and strategic planning, the potential for financial gain is an attractive aspect of the game.

    That said, it is crucial for players to approach online poker with responsibility and treat it as a form of entertainment rather than a source of guaranteed income.

    6. Enhanced Focus and Concentration

    Poker demands intense concentration and attention to detail. Online poker, with its fast-paced nature, requires players to focus on every hand, keep track of their opponents’ moves, and make decisions quickly.

    ●  Multitasking Skills: Online poker often allows players to participate in multiple tables at once. This multitasking trains the brain to manage several tasks simultaneously and enhances cognitive flexibility.

    ●  Sustained Focus: Poker players must remain focused for extended periods, especially during long tournaments. This helps develop mental stamina, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life, such as work or studies.

    By improving focus and concentration, online poker can have positive effects on cognitive function, helping players become more attentive and detail-oriented in other tasks.

    7. Safer and More Secure Gaming Environment

    Online poker platforms offer a secure environment for players to enjoy the game without the risks associated with physical casinos. Reputable platforms ensure the safety of personal and financial data, giving players peace of mind while they play.

    ●  Advanced Security Measures: Online poker sites use encryption technology to safeguard player information and transactions. This ensures that sensitive data, such as credit card details, remain protected.

    ●  Responsible Gaming Features: Many online poker platforms offer responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks, to help players manage their gaming behavior and avoid addiction.

    Playing poker online provides a secure and controlled environment, making it a safer option for those who enjoy the game.   
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    Conclusion

    Poker is more than just a game of cards – especially when played online. From cognitive development to social interaction, financial rewards, and emotional control, the benefits of playing poker online go beyond mere entertainment. It is a game that challenges the mind, enhances life skills, and offers convenience and security for players worldwide.

    Whether you’re a casual player or a serious enthusiast, online poker provides a dynamic and rewarding experience that can improve not only your gaming skills but also your real-life decision-making abilities. Just remember to approach the game responsibly, keeping it fun and balanced with other aspects of your life.

    Disclaimer: This article does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of indiantelevision.com. indiantelevision.com group or its websites does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein.

    The reader is further advised that Online Casino, Betting, Online Gaming , Crypto products, Financial Investments/Engagement , NFTs, Products associated with health, wellness, and food are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions or risk associated with health conditions.

    Indiantelevision.com group shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of indiantelevision.com (indiantelevision.com group) of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute financial advice. 

  • PlayerzPot ropes in actress Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

    PlayerzPot ropes in actress Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: The fantasy sports and casual games platform PlayerzPot has just turned seven! Celebrating the milestone, the brand has announced actress Rashmika Mandanna as the brand ambassador.

    PlayerzPot has engaged gamers across demographics in India with over 15+ games such as Ludo, Carrom, Snakes & Ladders, Fruit Slice, Sheep Fight, Poker, and Call Break. Taking it from the top will be Rashmika, an online gamer herself, who will be the face of the campaign by PlayerzPot across traditional and social media platforms. “The Pushpa: The Rise” actor will also boost PlayerzPot’s position by promoting their expanding catalogue of games.

    PlayerzPot CEO Sunil Yadav said, “PlayerzPot has grown from strength to strength in these seven years, while entertaining gamers across the country. Day in and out, we gain new insights to serve gamers better, and our 7th anniversary is perfect for announcing none other than the ravishing Rashmika Mandanna as a brand ambassador. We are sure that Rashmika will take PlayerzPot to new heights with her energetic and lively persona. Skill-based gaming is attracting a large number of Indian gamers online. Rashmika’s presence will boost that interest and help PlayerzPot reach niche markets across India.”

    Mandanna said, “I can go on and on about how excited my family members used to be, just about a game of Snakes and Ladders! The love for such games stands the test of time, and PlayerzPot has redefined that love by recreating the board game fever for active mobile players today. One can log in and compete with other gamers anytime, anywhere, in scores of exciting casual games. I’m excited to be part of PlayerzPot’s mission of becoming a one-stop gaming destination for all.”

    Through this engagement, PlayerzPot is expecting more enthusiasm among users to login and enjoy casual games with friends and family online. The platform said that with its games it offers excitement, fun, and complete security of users’ data, thus effectively tackling cyber fraud when everything has moved to digital.

  • PokerBaazi.com unveils ‘You Hold the Cards’; onboards Shahid Kapoor

    PokerBaazi.com unveils ‘You Hold the Cards’; onboards Shahid Kapoor

    Mumbai: Online poker platform PokerBaazi.com has launched its new brand campaign ‘You Hold the Cards’ featuring their brand ambassador and Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor.

    With the campaign titled ‘You Hold the Cards’, the brand aims to create awareness about poker as a skill-based sport and establish that in poker, the game is under your control, and one can emerge victorious based on skills, determination, and right strategy.

    As part of the campaign, a brand film has been launched featuring Shahid Kapoor, which showcases him as the protagonist who goes through various unexpected situations that aren’t under his control. However, he continues to focus on his game on the PokerBaazi app and finally comes on top with his true resilience and skills. The film attempts to debunk the myth of luck playing an upper hand in poker while the reality is that skill is the key element to success.

    Speaking on the campaign launch, Baazi Games co-founder and marketing director Varun Ganjoo said, “Poker is a sport, period. Poker is also a lot of fun. We are extremely thrilled with the launch of our campaign “You Hold the Cards” and excited to have Shahid Kapoor as our flagbearer. The idea of this campaign is primarily to create awareness around poker as a skill sport which the brand film captures beautifully. This is a big step forward towards making poker a household game in our country. While our approach is digital-first, the campaign shall be promoted across all possible avenues aligned with our target audience.”

    Shahid Kapoor said, “When I was introduced to the key insight behind the PokerBaazi campaign, ‘Experts are made, not born,’ it resonated with me instantly and got me all excited. Being able to control one’s fate with the right planning, strategy & sheer grit, and eventually emerging victorious is almost identical to our lives. I strongly believe that the campaign will showcase online poker as a sport which is equally fun & thrilling and will win the hearts of the audiences.”

    The campaign designed and conceptualised by Wieden+Kennedy, will go LIVE across channels including social media, OOH, OTT amongst others.

    Commenting on the campaign, Wieden+Kennedy creative directors Amrish Kondurkar and Sunayna Sabharwal said, “Poker is a new space in the world of gaming apps in India and it does come with its baggage of being exclusive for only those who know how to play the game well and therefore makes it a bit limiting. We wanted to treat this campaign as a way to build a personality for the brand which is truly distinct. While the category goes behind the usual areas of winning/making money, we created a space which came from a true-life insight and could make people feel they had a chance. That’s where the tagline, Pokerbaazi, ‘You hold the cards’ came from. To clearly establish that what matters is your skill and not luck.”

    They further added, “We kept the tonality fun with a strong attitude so that a regular person with a smartphone would feel like taking a shot. Whether it’s the film, the music or the print campaign, each touch point goes back to our attempt to make the Pokerbaazi app a must have on their phone.”

    PokerBaazi.com’s announcement of its association with Shahid Kapoor earlier this week comes at a time when the platform recently recorded a billion poker hands being played on its app since its origin in October 2014. The customer-first platform, co-founded by a group of passionate poker lovers, has acquired the top rank in the segment and this campaign, according to the brand, is certainly going to level up poker in India.

  • Voot ties up with Poker Sports League for docu-reality series on Poker

    Voot ties up with Poker Sports League for docu-reality series on Poker

    Mumbai: Streaming platform Voot on Thursday announced its partnership with Poker Sports League to launch and host the first-ever docu-reality Series on Poker in India – Poker Mantra. The series presented by Pocket52 will be exclusively available on the AVOD platform starting Friday, 16 July

    The five-part docu-reality series, Poker Mantra directed by Sreetama Ray will take the viewers through the story of Poker in India, along with interviews of renowned poker and mental coaches, league teams, and sponsors who believe in the future of poker. 

    Minds Sports League, co-founder, and CMO, Sidharth Mishra said the series aims to break common misconceptions around poker and throw light on the past, present & future of poker in India. “Our supervising producer, Karan Vig, overcame unseen challenges while filming during Covid times, but we managed to get virtual as well as live shoots completed with prominent poker players such as Kanishka Samant, Kunal Patni, Romit Advani, Abhinav Iyer, Abhishek Goindi, Niharika Bindra, Muskan Sethi, the reality series will educate viewers on the important life lessons of money management learned through poker,” said Mishra.

    Speaking about the association, Viacom18 Digital Ventures, head-AVOD, Chanpreet Arora said, “At Voot, we have always worked towards providing content that is differentiated and engaging to connect with our users. The unique concept of Poker Mantra will educate enthusiasts about the nuances of the game and create visibility for the sport. Our association with Poker Sports League is also an opportunity to bring new users to the platform. We are looking forward to offering more such unique and innovative content for our viewers at Voot.”

    The series will also interview players like Kanchan Sharma, Rajat Sharma, Aniket Pradhan, Harshit Jaiswal, and Nitin Dhamija, Mahima Das Walia, and Radhika Shankar, who will share how one can ace their game by studying and practising thoroughly.

    Speaking about the journey of Poker in India, Pocket52 founder and CEO, Nitesh Salvi said, “At Pocket52, we strive to give our players a better gaming experience. It was indeed a proud moment for us to get associated with Poker Sports League Season three as the Title Sponsor. Now we are delighted to say that this momentous virtual docu-series of the tournament is all set to be broadcast on Voot, for the first time in India. We are sure that the thrill of the game will keep all the poker enthusiasts on their feet, and this will be a great learning experience for all. The thrill of real-money gaming, when blended into a classically crafted docu-reality series, is sure to entertain millions of our players across its online poker gaming platform in India.”

  • Online poker in India continues to thrive despite legal hurdles

    Online poker in India continues to thrive despite legal hurdles

    MUMBAI: Poker in India has a perception problem. While some view it as gambling, others consider it a game of skill. Despite this deep divide, poker has witnessed tremendous growth in the country in the last decade. Industry insiders estimate there are close to two million real money poker players in India. They also firmly believe that this number is only expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

    Founder and CEO of online poker website Adda52, Anuj Gupta says, “Online poker in India is growing at a rate of 30-40 per cent year-on-year. Fantasy leagues for cricket and football, within a short span has taken over beacuse of the huge fan base. Our online tournaments are also growing at a certain rate because people want to experience it and learn.”

    Gaussian Network, Adda52’s parent company, was acquired by Jaydev Mody-owned Delta Corp, for a total consideration of Rs 223.9 crore last year.

    Gupta believes that India is evolving slowly, primarily because card games carry a negative perception. He believes that engaging with the public at large to change the narrative around poker in India is essential. To conduct good tournaments and people talk about it, is the best way to market the product.

    “Because of the negative perception, fewer brands come on board and that too with lots of conditions. The fact is that it is not a mass market product, and is still a very small segment. In a few years atleast we should be able to reach the rummy stage of acceptability and then market it very aggressively to the target segment who would like to play”, Gupta added.

    The social and legal problems surrounding poker in India hasn’t deterred the world’s biggest portal PokerStars from entering the market. Despite all the hurdles, promoters, in and outside India, continue to remain bullish on India. 

    Spartan Poker co-founder and MD Amin Rozani believes that the Indian market is ripe and ready for more exposure to sports like poker, and the entry of international players is a testament to that. Spartan poker, he says,  is glad to see the market extending and opening up to poker and is certain that the space has enough and more for all the online players.

    Branding and promoting a product like poker in India can be quite tricky. To overcome handicaps related to socials taboos, regulatory authorities and hesitation from advertisers in collaborating, poker companies have devised rather unique marketing methods.

    Spartan Poker says it has found the right mix to differentiate itself from others in the industry. On an average it has more than 25,000 active users monthly.

    Spartan poker has an annual marketing budget of Rs 20 crore, out of which 65 per cent is spent on digital and the remaining 35 per cent is being used offline like out-of-home (OOH), above the line (ATL), below the line (BTL) and radio.

    The company has employed guerrilla marketing tactics such as a radium hoarding campaign at some of Goa’s most prominent locations.

    “This campaign helps to ensure stickiness in terms of attention of the audience compared to a normal OOH. Our auto rickshaw and tricycle branding campaigns were also carried out in the same vein and got due attention,” says Rozani.

    Despite the buzz and acitivty in online poker, regulatory hurdles continue to remain unadressed.

    Glaws.in founder Jay Sayta says, “Poker is facing legal challenges, as of now it is a bit complicated. The game is catching up really fast and at present the online poker industry is about Rs 300-400 crore. Everything comes down to a tough question of whether it is a game of skills or chance.”

    As per a recent report by Google-KPMG, the online gaming industry in India is expected to grow to $1 billion by 2021 from the current $360 million, with the online gamers’ community reaching 310 million by then. 

    Sayta believes that transforming the mindset of  the general public is a slow process. Chess legend Viswanathan Anand promoting Poker Sports League (PSL) is big a game changer. Interestingly, the PSL was telecast on Discovery’s DSports.

    It’s not hard to understand why online poker companies continue to mushroom by the day. However, the business continues to function under a cloud of instability. To what extent India’s poker industry grows from hereon solely depends on the country’s government.

    Also Read :

    Guest Column: Online poker the next big wave in digital

    Dsport to telecast Poker Sports League’s season 2

  • Guest Column: Online poker the next big wave in digital

    Guest Column: Online poker the next big wave in digital

    With poker’s popularity having touched heights in the US, the UK, China, and other European nations, the card game online has also begun to gain immense traction in India. People in India have begun to recognise poker as a skilled-based game. This is one of the major reasons why a large number of players are opting for poker online in comparison to other available options. As per a Economic Times report, the online poker industry today is estimated at $120 million and the figure is only expected to grow in the coming years. The growing number of poker portals online is also indicative of the fact that the industry in India is swiftly expanding. The country is touted to be the next big market for online poker games.

    The Origin

    India has a long history of popularity of card games, many influenced by the English, given the country’s colonial past. Several classic British card games such as gin and bridge amongst others was a preferred choice by the masses. One poker variant, not too different from the British game – the three-card brag, dubbed as ‘Teenpatti’ began to garner immense interest in India, almost a decade ago. The preference for the game snowballed into popularity for poker. With the advent of digitalisation around the same time, Indian based digital companies wanted to tap in on the popularity that poker had amongst the masses. As a result, many digital companies began to look at creating strong platforms and interesting formats to cater the demands of a digital-first consumer.

    The Present

    Statistics published by MECN (Media Entertainment Consulting Network) depict that Asia, and primarily India, takes the title of being the largest and fastest-growing online gambling market across the globe. The recognition of the card game online is supplemented by affordable smartphones and data plans, growing broadband penetration and other factors that further promote easy access to potential poker players in the country. With more and more people recognising poker as a skill-based game, many are opting for this card game and this has snowballed into even more recognition for the game.

    The Revenue

    The online poker industry is continually working towards creating more awareness amongst masses about the skills that the game sharpens and that it also requires a certain level of skill to begin with. It is estimated that about a million players in the country today play real money poker frequently. It expected that with more digital players entering the space, the online poker industry will receive a further boost and surpass the estimated $110 to 120 million mark of 2016. It also appears the government is recognising the volume of revenue generated by the online poker industry. This has been witnessed by the Karnataka government’s recent decision to consider creation of floating casinos.  

    Along with the logistics in place and the digital poker industry prepared to onboard a large number of players, the online card game is expected to grab even a larger share in the Indian online gaming industry. The digital poker industry is positive about record-breaking growth and revenue in the years to come.

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    The author is the managing director and co-founder of The Spartan Poker. The views expressed here are his own and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them.