Online poker has seen massive growth in recent years. In 2021, the global online poker market was valued at USD 947 million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% from 2022 to 2030. Behind this growth has been continuous innovation in the space, from improvements in gameplay to advancements in security. One area that is seeing particular innovation is the application of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI has already been implemented in basic ways in online poker, powering computer opponents and helping detect collusion and fraud at 7BitCasino. But more advanced applications are on the horizon that could significantly disrupt the online poker landscape.
Specifically, there are now prototypes for AI-powered poker dealers. This technology uses machine learning and neural networks to replicate the experience of playing poker with a human dealer.
Key Stats on AI Dealers in Online Poker
- At least 3 startups are currently developing AI dealer technology for online poker, having raised over $15 million in funding so far.
- AI dealers can coordinate games up to 50% faster than human dealers, allowing for shorter wait times between hands.
- In internal testing by one startup, more than 80% of players reported preferring the AI dealer over a human dealer.
Comparison of AI Dealers vs. Human Dealers
| Metric | AI Dealer | Human Dealer |
| Average time between hands | 15 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Salary costs | None | $50k+ per year |
| Mistakes made | Extremely rare | Occasional |
| Customization ability | High, personalities and avatars | Limited |
| Scalability | Can coordinate unlimited tables | Limited by number of staff |
As the data shows, AI dealers have significant advantages over human dealers when it comes to speed, cost, accuracy, and scalability. The technology is still in development, but holds promise to greatly enhance the online poker experience once deployed at scale.
How Do AI Dealers Work in Online Poker?
AI dealers utilize a combination of technologies to replicate the experience of playing poker with human coordination:
Conversational AI & NLP
By using natural language processing (NLP), the AI dealers can engage players in casual conversation at the tables, reacting to statements and questions. This helps recreate the social atmosphere of playing with a human dealer.
Avatar Rendering
Sophisticated 3D avatar rendering allows the AI dealers to fully emulate lifelike human visuals, expressions, motion, and lip sync. Players see a personalized dealer that matches the conversational personality.
Game Coordination Algorithms
At their core, AI dealers use proprietary poker coordination algorithms to handle all the functions of a human dealer. This includes shuffling cards, distributing hands, managing bets, calculating pot size, determining winners, and more.
Neural-Network Learning
The more games an AI dealer coordinates, the more data it collects on gameplay dynamics and player behavior. Over time, machine learning allows the AI dealers to continuously improve their coordination function.
Business Benefits for Online Poker Sites
For online 777 slots businesses, implementing AI dealer technology has several key benefits:
- Reduction in Operational Costs
By eliminating the need for human dealer salaries, sites stand to save over $50k per year per dealer replaced by AI. These cost savings can be reinvested into further improving the platform experience.
- Faster Gameplay & Shorter Wait Times
AI dealers coordinate gameplay up to 50% faster than humans, allowing sites to run more table games in parallel. This means shorter wait times for players between hands, increasing engagement.
- Novel Experience to Attract New Players
The novelty experience of playing against an AI dealer serves as a unique attraction to new players, helping businesses expand their customer base.
- Scales to Meet Market Growth
As online poker continues rapid market expansion, AI dealers allow sites to scale coordination capacity to meet rising demand. Overall platform stability and performance are improved.
The Bottom Line
AI dealer technology signals an exciting evolution in advancing the online poker experience. By coordinating gameplay faster, more accurately, and cheaper than humans, AI dealers allow poker sites to tap into market growth and provide unmatched entertainment to players. With several startups on the cusp of launching this technology, the future of online poker looks brighter than ever.
