As the year 2025 progresses, we can already see that modern technology and changing player preferences influence the social casino industry. It’s not just about classic felt-lined tables and free-to-play games, but also decentralisation, transparency, and great community-building efforts. The industry is projected to grow from $8.69 billion to $9.33 billion in 2025, showing a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%, which is greatly attributed to mass acceptance and responsible gambling practices that are promoted in various countries.

In this joint article, JJ Williams, Founder of DevilFish Poker, a social poker platform that takes advantage of Web3 technologies, and Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, share their view of the social poker market in 2025 and the future outlook for the industry.

Decentralisation, Digital Ownership, and Skill-Based Play

Gone are the days when poker was a game of luck alone. Today’s social poker is evolving into a sophisticated, competitive endeavour defined by decentralisation and skill-based gameplay. As the industry progresses, we anticipate a transition from casual gaming to more competitive and community-driven experiences. Blockchain technology has become the ace up the sleeve. It ensures that every deal is provably fair and that stakes are underpinned by decentralised systems. University of Bristol studies on cryptocurrency casinos (40 leading platforms in total) reveal that provably fair blockchain features significantly increase perceived fairness: casinos that promoted provably fair checks saw a 15% higher rate of first-time deposits. At the same time,case studies in decentralised poker platforms report that transparent smart-contract dealing reduces dispute rates by 40%, reinforcing that trust and transparency are critical in digital wagering.

This model not only builds trust, but also equips players with actual ownership over digital assets — this blurs the line between virtual gaming and real-world value. The rapid adoption of blockchain in gaming circles underscores a broader industry trend: trust and transparency are key to fostering loyalty in the digital age.

From the perspective of traditional poker aficionados, these developments are as revolutionary as they are welcome. Some players may raise an eyebrow when they first meet decentralised tech in what they see as "a mere card game", but the advantages are unmistakable. Players now act as stakeholders in their gaming environment — a paradigm shift making the experience as engaging as it is competitive.

AI and Gamification

Introducing elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, or narrative feedback can significantly improve user engagement and their persistence in completing the game or staying on a platform for longer sessions. The efficiency of gamification elements in general is supported by a considerable body of research. For example,Springer Nature cites a randomised field experiment, where dynamically adjusting difficulty and reward schedules increased retention by 25% compared to static game versions.

The digital revolution in social casino isn’t stopping with blockchain. Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping up, transforming how players interact with the game. As Williams notes:

"With the emergence of AI-driven personalisation, we can provide tailored challenges, rewards, and matchmaking, making every session feel truly custom-built for the individual."

This melding of AI and tradition is a game-changer. These systems adapt to the skill level and play style of each user and also ensure that every hand dealt is part of a broader narrative — a journey of progress, competition, and engagement.

Gamification, too, has received a huge boost with modern technology. Social poker platforms attract more players with leaderboards, achievement systems, and community challenges that add extra layers of involvement. At DevilFish, these elements are integrated into the user experience via Zealy Tasks, so that users can embark on quests, climb dynamic leaderboards, and get valuable insights — all of which boost retention and add a fresh, competitive edge to each game session.

Fostering Community

At the heart of every great social poker platform is its community. Modern players demand more than just the thrill of the game — they crave connection and camaraderie. Active social features such as forums, in-game chat, and clubs play two roles at ones: they deepen social bonds and can either encourage or curb harmful play. A research paper on online communities and gambling behaviors suggests that well-moderated communities help promote responsible gambling, learning of strategies, and peer support.

"Community is the lifeblood of social poker," says JJ Williams. "At DevilFish, we transcend traditional gameplay by incorporating engaging, community-driven features that foster real connections among players."

Features like live chat, customisable avatars, and integrated Discord channels allow players to communicate, share strategies, and build meaningful bonds beyond the digital table. Far from being isolated, players now become part of a thriving ecosystem where collaboration and competition go hand in hand.

EvenBet Gaming’s CEO, Dmitry Starostenkov, echoes this sentiment:

"Social interaction is crucial for enhancing the overall experience. We’re enhancing chats, friend systems, and even social network features like news feeds and in-game achievements to turn poker into a space for real interaction and celebration."

This integration of social media-like elements into a casino allows to transform it into a true community hub. With joining clubs, engaging in friendly banter, or celebrating big wins together, the modern social poker experience is as much about engagement as it is about the game itself.

Mobile and Immersive Technologies

Today, accessibility is not a perk, it’s a must. With mobile devices all over the place, social poker platforms are now optimised for play on the go. But accessibility doesn’t have to stop at platforms being mobile: virtual or augmented reality tech could make social casino much more immersive. Imagine a poker table where you’re not just a faceless username, but a digital avatar with unique characteristics.

Both EvenBet Gaming and DevilFish are investing heavily in mobile optimisation and immersive technology. VR and AR promise to revolutionise the poker experience by offering a 360-degree, tactile gaming environment that blurs the lines between digital and physical play and strengthens players’ emotional investment. Comparativestudies of VR versus desktop play show that VR users report a 45% higher sense of presence and 20% greater emotional arousal, both leading to longer play sessions. Dmitry Starostenkov foresees a future where VR transforms poker into an interactive, near-real experience:

"As mobile devices and immersive tech like VR evolve, the very nature of poker is set to change. It will become a fully interactive, virtual experience where social play meets digital innovation."

This evolution is not merely about technological novelty; it’s about making social poker accessible to a broader, younger audience eager for innovation and interaction at every turn.

Regulation and the Legal Landscape

The transition of social online poker into a skill-based gameplay and decentralised models that offer greater transparency is mirrored by evolving legal frameworks all around the globe. Legislators are rethinking online gaming regulation as the line between pure chance and competitive skill blurs.

DevilFish operates on a free-to-play model with no deposit or buy-in required. As JJ Williams explains:

"We anticipate a gradual shift towards more transparent regulatory frameworks that balance consumer protection with industry growth. Our utilisation of blockchain, which ensures provably fair gameplay, aligns perfectly with these emerging regulatory priorities."

Such measures are critical not only for safeguarding players, but also for promoting responsible gaming. EvenBet Gaming is at the forefront of these initiatives, implementing advanced fraud prevention systems and robust player security measures. The company prioritises a safe, transparent, and fair environment where every player can enjoy the thrill of the game without undue risk.

Poker as Part of a Multi-Platform Ecosystem

Social poker has expanded beyond its traditional confines. It is now a part of a dynamic multi-platform ecosystem with elements of digital entertainment and social media. Celebrity-hosted tournaments, live-streaming events, and influencer partnerships are gradually reshaping the way players engage with poker. As Dmitry Starostenkov puts it:

"Poker will increasingly integrate with other forms of digital entertainment, transforming from a standalone game into part of a larger multi-platform narrative. This integration presents exciting opportunities for cross-platform engagement, where social media, streaming, and digital assets converge to create a holistic gaming experience."

The fusion of poker with streaming services and celebrity-driven events not only broadens the reach of the game, but also enhances its appeal among diverse audiences. This also highlights a broader trend in digital entertainment, where boundaries between gaming, social media, and live events are becoming increasingly blurred. For players, this means more opportunities to connect, compete, and celebrate both online and in real time. It’s a marriage of competitive spirit and social connectivity that defines the future of social casino gaming.

Final Thoughts: Betting on the Future

In 2025, social poker is no longer just about dealing cards and chasing luck — it’s about crafting a rich, community-driven experience where every player is protected and feels like a stakeholder. Blockchain technology ensures transparency, AI and gamification deliver personalised engagement, while immersive technologies reshape the very nature of this game.

The strategic partnership between EvenBet Gaming and DevilFish Poker is a testament to this innovative future. By fusing traditional poker’s strategic elegance with the dynamism of modern tech, we are setting a new benchmark for what social casino gaming can be. In the words of JJ Williams:

"We’re not just playing poker. We’re building a movement — a next-generation free-to-play community where every hand is a step towards mastery, every game builds connections, and every player is a part of something bigger."

And as Dmitry Starostenkov summarises:

"The future of social poker is bright, and by embracing these trends, we’re creating a platform that is not only engaging and fair but truly revolutionary."

Innovation in gaming is not just about the next big tech breakthrough — it’s about creating a fair, engaging, and inclusive community where every player can feel like they belong. The cards are in your hands, and the game is only just beginning.

Image credit: Casino Guru News