What word would you use to describe poker? While words like fun and exhilarating certainly come to mind, today, let's focus on one word: diversity. Not only do you have multiple poker variations you can choose to play, but you are also bound to meet different kinds of players at the tables as you place your bets.
For a long time, boomers, Gen-X, and millennials dominated the poker scene, but in recent years, more and more Gen-Z players have been joining the ranks of poker players. Each generation of players tends to approach the latest online poker games very differently, and it can affect the entire course of their poker career.
How does the generational gap affect the way people play poker? And will it affect the entire industry?
How Different Generations Approach Poker
We have four generations to talk about: the Boomers (born between 1946-1964), Gen X (born between 1965-1980), Millennials (born between 1981-1996), and Gen Z (born between 1997-2010).
Over the years, multiple studies have tried to analyze what values and core principles are important to each generation in all aspects of life, and the results are fascinating.
For example, a study that analyzed generational differences at work found that Baby Boomers and Gen X preferred to communicate in person, while Millennials chose to do so via email and Gen X preferred to communicate by chat.
In addition to that, the same study found that the younger generation tends to be less loyal to the workplace, with Boomers remaining in one role for 8 years on average and Gen Z lasting no longer than 3 years.
Ultimately, those changes are derived from different aspirations in life, as Boomers look for stability while other generations prefer to pursue their passion and have an exciting or challenging job.
Those differences between generations also apply to the gambling world, as the players you meet at the table have different agendas depending on the culture they grew up with.
According to a different study, young gamers engage with each other by viewing gambling content, playing, and taking an active part in online communities. On the other hand, older gamers prefer to simply engage by playing.
Both Gen Z and Millennial gamers tend to view gaming content creators as sort of celebrities in their field, with a lifestyle they aspire to mimic. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow for more interaction between content creators and fans, creating a stronger online community.
On the other hand, Gen X and Boomers prefer to watch only practical poker and gambling content like tips and tricks that can turn them into better players. They rarely engage through viewing platforms and prefer to connect with fellow players face-to-face or avatar-to-avatar.
Both those studies show that age does matter in terms of what drives people to success. While older poker players probably view the game as a serious source of income and have a very practical approach to the game, younger players look for a sense of meaning as they play the game they love. Millennials and Gen Z players often look for more of a personal connection, enjoying more of a challenge as they place bets and take bigger risks.
What Does the Future Hold for Poker?
Now that we understand how the younger generation of poker players differs from older players, the poker scene is clearly heading in a new direction. Poker is no longer just a game people play regularly, meeting fellow fans of the game only on occasion. The game is turning into something bigger – a community of players that engage on a daily basis even when there are no games and tournaments taking place.
With time, more Gen Z players will start playing poker professionally, which means that online poker platforms are bound to flourish!