Poker and sports might at first sight seem worlds apart. While professional sports are a usually physical activity and poker is a card game, they have more in common than what many people are aware of. It is therefore not surprising that many professional athletes enjoy playing poker in their free time and some have even become quite successful poker players. Find out more below as we present the components that poker has in common with professional sports.
Strategic thinking
Poker is a skill-based card game where strategic thinking is of paramount importance. Being at least one step ahead of the opponent is a crucial success factor while playing poker. It is therefore not surprising that the strategic component is featured prominently in poker promotion. Strategic thinking is equally important in professional sports such as for example soccer or ice hockey. For instance, soccer teams need to set strategic goals related to both specific games and to their overall longer-term ambitions.
Clear understanding of rules
Both poker and professional sports are guided by specific rules. A clear understanding of these rules is essential for success for both activities. For instance, poker players need to know the differences and the values of different hands. In a similar way, soccer players need to understand fundamental rules for penalties, offside, corner kicks etc. The greater understanding of rules the greater the likelihood of identifying both opportunities and threats while playing poker and practicing different sports.
Sports betting and online poker
Poker ranks among the most popular casino games offered by gambling sites. At the same time, many gambling sites also offer sports books with a variety of sports betting options for their clients. This is clearly not a coincidence. Many poker and casino fans are simultaneously attracted to the similar thrills offered by sports betting. Conversely, sports fans who enjoy betting have approvingly discovered the exciting world of online poker and casino gambling. Furthermore, some gambling sites offer new players the freedom to choose between casino- or poker-related bonuses. In sum, there is a clear and extensive overlap between the casino and sports markets as they attract similar audiences.
Poker and professional sports are competitive activities.
There is an ongoing debate whether poker should be considered a game, a sport or maybe a combination of the two. However, one thing is certain: poker is a highly competitive activity where the players constantly try to outsmart and outmaneuver each other. This is the reason why so many professional athletes are attracted to poker. Competing in order to win is an integral part of the professional sports DNA.
Years of practice
Some casino games like slots machines are mainly based on luck. By contrast, poker is a skill-based casino game that usually requires many years of practice and experience. While professional athletes often display talents at early stages of their lives, it usually also requires years of practice to become a successful soccer player, especially in international competitions where the skill levels tend to be higher.
Continuous training
While years of experience are crucial for both poker and professional sports, these acquired skills need to be continuously honed through continuous training in order to be maintained and updated. This is true for both poker and professional sports where regular practice makes near perfection.
Competitions
National and international competitions are important events in the calendar of professional sports. Poker is also a competition-focused card game with a large number of national and international competitions at various skill levels. Professional soccer players and their fans eagerly look forward major events such as the World Cup, which takes place once every four years. The world of poker is also centred around various national and international competitions at various skill levels. The World Cup or the most prestigious of all poker tournaments is without any doubt the Las Vegas based annual World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Entertainment and social dimension
Professional sports and poker offer both a high level of entertainment, which appeals to a wide and diverse audience. The social component is important in both sports and poker, connecting active players as well as their fan bases.
Concentration is essential.
Poker and professional sports can be mentally very challenging for the players. A momentary loss of focus can potentially have game-changing consequences for poker players and sports athletes alike. A high degree of concentration is therefore crucial while playing both poker and exercising sport on a professional level.
Conclusion
Poker and professional sports have much in common such as a strong focus on strategic thinking and the need for a clear understanding of rules. Furthermore, both poker and sports are competitive with many national and international competitions. In addition, both poker and professional sports require years of practice and continuous need for training.
Online gambling sites have recognized the considerable overlapping of casino and sports markets by offering casino games alongside sports betting. Last but not least, sports and poker both offer a high level of entertainment and contain an important social component that links players to their respective fanbases.