Starting an online poker business can be a great opportunity, although it requires proper planning and the right tools. You will need to choose reliable poker software, hire a skilled development team, obtain the necessary licenses, and create a strong marketing plan.
In this blog, we will guide you through each step to help you build and launch a successful online poker platform. Whether you are new to the gaming industry or looking to expand, this step-by-step guide will make the process easier to understand.
Let’s dive into the details and turn your poker business idea into reality.
As per a source, the global market size of poker was valued at approximately $86.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $306.75 billion by 2032. It is growing at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2032.
It is clear from the above data that starting an online poker game business is extremely lucrative and capable of generating massive revenue.
Here is a step-by-step guide to starting your own online poker business:
If you are wondering how to start a poker business successfully, selecting the right business model is crucial. There are primarily three types of business models, each unique and serving different purposes, whether for various player communities or brand objectives.
In this model, your poker platform hosts public games and tournaments. As the platform owner, you have full control over the game settings, rules, and schedules. B2C poker platforms are designed to attract all types of players.
The club-based model allows players to create or join private clubs, where only invited members can participate in games. This approach appeals to those who prefer a gaming environment that is more private and customizable. It is popular for small group play and private tournaments among friends or communities.
This model brings the features of B2C and club-based setups in one place. Herein, players can join public games hosted by the platform while also creating or joining private clubs. The hybrid model offers flexibility. It caters to different types of players and encourages both mass participation and close-knit gameplay. It is ideal for platforms looking to maximize engagement and user retention.
Choosing the right poker game software provider is necessary. Several providers are available in the market, making it difficult to choose the best one. You can filter out the companies based on their portfolios, client reviews, and experience in the industry. Choose one that exceeds your requirements and fits your budget. Here is what to look for while choosing an appropriate one:
Experience plays an important role. A relevant experience of around 8~10+ years is considered good as it portrays that the company has been offering its services for a significant time and has a good presence in the market.
A company portfolio showcases the business products, services, and projects and highlights its achievements, client projects, and market presence. A good portfolio attracts clients, investors, and partners.
By reviewing client feedback, you can assess their customer satisfaction and experiences. It helps you trust the company and helps make informed decisions about whether they are perfect for your project.
When you are searching for how to start an online poker app, you must have come across many suggestions, like choosing the right software type. It is one of the most important things to consider when investing in an online poker business. With the right poker software, you can enhance your business functionality, improve brand awareness, and ensure long-term growth. Here are the three types of poker software:
White label poker software are pre-built solutions that just require minimal branding, and you are good to launch! As a pre-developed software, it is ideal for those looking for a quick market entry. It comes at a comparatively lower price. The software comes licensed by the provider itself. The only drawback is that you can’t customize it except for branding and logo.
Poker source codes are fully custom solutions that give you more control. They cost more but don’t require license fees. You own the code, so you can change anything like features, design, and gameplay. You are responsible for updating features and all. Best for serious, long-term poker businesses.
It is a ready-to-launch solution similar to a white label, but it offers more customization options. It includes all the essential features required to establish a poker business. The platform owner needs to rely on the software provider for updates, bug fixes, and troubleshooting.
To safely run a poker site, you need to obtain a gambling license. Without following legal rules and regulations, you could end up in trouble that can lead to business closure or severe penalties. Some of the most prominent licensing authorities are UKGC (UK Gambling Commission), Malta Gaming Authority, and Curacao eGaming which license poker businesses for international operations. Acquiring licenses from these authorities will create a sense of trust among users and build platform credibility.
Marketing can make your poker business famous instantly. It is like a key to success. Once your poker platform is ready, it is important to create awareness among the masses. You can run social media campaigns, leverage SEO techniques, and partner with digital influencers so the platform reaches a wider audience.
You can also partner with affluent poker players, which will give you access to poker communities. Last but not least, don’t forget to highlight the top features or bonuses of your platform when marketing.
Also Read :- Live Dealer Poker in the USA
One of the aims of starting your poker business is to generate revenue. There are several monetization strategies through which you can generate a significant amount of revenue. Let’s take a look at the different revenue models:
This revenue model displays ads within the poker game interface. Revenue is generated when users see these ads or click on them. They are in the form of banners, video ads, or interstitial ads. In-app ads offer a steady income stream especially when you have a free-to-play poker game.
Providing premium features at a cost can also generate revenue. Premium features such as special game modes, advanced statistics, or customizations attract users, and they can access them by paying through one-time purchases or subscriptions. This revenue model allows the base game to remain free and monetizes advanced features and exclusive content.
Players pay an entry fee to participate in different types of poker games or tournaments. Revenue is generated directly from player contributions, and a percentage is taken as a fee by the platform. This model attracts hardcore poker enthusiasts who look for real money stakes.
In-game purchases allow players to buy virtual items or enhancements such as chips, avatars, or power-ups. This model is best suited for free-to-play (F2P) poker games where users can pay to improve progressiveness or access exclusive content that offers flexible monetization while keeping the game accessible to everyone. Buy poker software to implement this revenue model effectively.
Also Read:- Understanding Poker Game Trends
Now you are well aware of how to start an online poker business in 2025. Another important part is choosing the best poker software for your business. With so many options available in the market, it can be difficult to figure out which will work best. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing poker software that helps you stand out in 2025:
The features offered in the poker software play a huge role in enhancing the overall user experience. Look for features that enhance gameplay, like customizable tables, different poker game variants, smooth gameplay, and integrated payment options. These features are useful and entertain players enhancing customer engagement.
UI is the first thing that players will interact with. So it must be easy to use. A cluttered one can quickly drive players away from your platform. So make sure the UI design is simple, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. This provides a comfortable gaming environment and keeps users engaged for a longer time.
It’s 2025, and your poker software must be compatible across multiple platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and web browsers. This cross-platform compatibility allows you to reach a wider audience without the need to develop a separate poker app for other platforms. No matter the device, the user experience must be seamless.
Proficient customer support is essential for smoothly running your poker platform. You need to ensure the poker software provider offers 24/7 customer service so they can listen to your issues whenever they arise. Fast and helpful support improves player satisfaction and creates brand loyalty to your platform.
In business, cost is always an important factor to consider, but don’t let the cost factor be the only deciding element. Look for poker software that fits your budget and also provides great value. Research the market to compare pricing and features to ensure that you are choosing the best one. Sometimes spending more can get you a better and more reliable deal, making it worthwhile in the long run.
Also Read:- The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Poker Software in 2025
The widespread popularity of Poker, which is continuously expanding worldwide, is one of the prime reasons that makes it beneficial for investors to invest in starting an online poker business. Here are the top reasons why you should invest in the online poker game business.
Starting a poker business requires much less capital than establishing a land-based gaming arena. For physical setup, you need to buy or rent land, build infrastructure, and incur other monthly maintenance charges, which are all absent in the poker business.
With a successful poker business, you can reach a large audience around the world and retain them on your platform. Moreover, online poker is more popular than offline one. The online version also provides convenience and ease of accessibility to the masses which is why millions of players use online platforms to play the game.
An online Poker gaming business has the potential to reach a wide user base. The high oncoming traffic to the platform makes it highly profitable and allows businesses to maximize their ROI in the long run allowing owners to enjoy hefty profits.
Almost all people don’t like going to offline arenas to play games. Everybody is fond of using smartphones to access various services, including gaming. With a growing number of online poker players, it does make sense to invest in a profitable online game like Poker.
Starting an online poker business requires strategic planning and execution. Most entrepreneurs choose to outsource a team rather than create an internal team. Hiring skilled professionals from the leading poker game development agency can be a reliable and cost-effective option, taking your poker business to the next level.
With extensive experience in poker game development, BR Softech delivers truly exceptional poker game software that is unmatched in the market. So, what are you waiting for? Share your project details by filling out the query form to connect with experts for a productive discussion to turn your idea into reality.
Ans. In 2025, the poker industry is all set to innovate with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which offer players immersive and engaging experiences.
Ans. Regulations are critical for the online poker industry, ensuring that games remain fair and players are protected. These rules govern how games are operated, manage financial transactions, and enforce responsible gaming practices. It makes online poker platforms trustworthy, reputable, and competitive in the market.
Ans. Online poker businesses primarily earn revenue from rake fees, taken from each hand played, entry fees for various tournaments, in-app purchases, premium content, advertising, and strategic partnerships.
Ans. Online poker companies face challenges like legal compliance, high competition, data security, and the need for constant innovation to retain players.
Ans. Yes, but only in some states. As of 2025, online poker is legal in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Ans. Yes, but it depends on the country and region. In the U.S., only certain states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan allow legal online poker.
Ans. Starting an online poker business can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000, depending on the software type, features, and licensing fees.
Ans. The best ways to monetize a poker game include rake fees, tournament entry fees, in-app purchases, ads, and premium memberships.
