When the United Kingdom entered its first nationwide lockdown in March 2020, daily routines came to a grinding halt. Pubs, betting shops, casinos, and even sports fixtures disappeared overnight. In their absence, people turned to the internet, and one unexpected beneficiary was online poker. According to a recent peer-reviewed study published by the National Library of Medicine, internet searches for online poker, slots, and bingo spiked significantly during the initial lockdown period. Poker, in particular, saw a dramatic rise in interest. The research revealed “sharp increases in internet searches for poker,” with strong positive correlations between this search activity and actual industry data.
Curiously, these patterns did not repeat in subsequent lockdowns, suggesting the first wave created a unique cultural shift in behaviour. This aligns with broader industry trends. A 2024 YouGov analysis showed UK participation in online poker doubling from 5% in 2021 to 10% in 2024. These increases weren’t driven by random chance. A combination of lifestyle disruption, digital accessibility, and marketing from established poker platforms drew in thousands of new players. Sites like Americas Cardroom capitalised on the moment, offering a robust ecosystem for real money poker enthusiasts of all skill levels. The boom didn’t only reflect trends in search traffic or signups; it shifted perceptions. What was once considered a niche pastime for the mathematically inclined or casino-savvy became a popular digital alternative to idle scrolling, with participants seeking entertainment, skill development, and even financial gain.
Why UK Players Flocked to the Virtual Tables
The appeal of online poker during lockdown went beyond boredom. For many, it offered an opportunity to learn a skill-based game with potentially lucrative rewards. Take Chris Moorman, for instance, a Basildon native who started playing online poker during university. By the time he graduated, he had paid off his student debts and saved £50,000. Today, Moorman is a Team Pro for Americas Cardroom and has amassed more than $14.5 million (£10.8 million) online and ranks among the world’s most successful poker professionals. His story, as detailed in Essex Live, is emblematic of what drew many into the game: low barriers to entry and the dream of financial autonomy.
Americas Cardroom, one of the largest global online poker platforms open to UK players, leveraged this growing interest. Its platform offered major tournaments, but also provided tax-free winnings, secure
infrastructure, and a diverse pool of international opponents. According to the site’s UK page, players can access real money tables for Texas Hold’em and Omaha 24/7, supported by generous guarantees and community-driven gameplay. This allure wasn’t limited to prize pools. As per YouGov data, 65% of UK online poker participants are drawn to sites offering promotions, while 52% value loyalty rewards. Nearly half are open to experimenting with new platforms, and 53% are influenced by visible sponsorships. In this context, Americas Cardroom’s branding, combined with a robust online presence and frequent events, made it a natural destination.
Lockdown created the perfect storm for these platforms. With sports betting options unavailable and physical casinos closed, players sought out engaging digital alternatives. Online poker emerged as a winning choice, especially when backed by a trustworthy site with substantial liquidity and support.
What The 2020 Poker Boom Means for the UK’s Future
While the initial lockdown spike in online poker interest may have plateaued, its long-term ripple effects are still being felt. Increased participation has reignited policy conversations, especially around regulation and taxation. As detailed in a 2025 report by the Social Market Foundation, over half of Britons now support raising taxes on online gambling. Remote Gaming Duty currently sits at 21%, but proposals to double it to 42% have gained traction. The motivation? An urgent need to plug fiscal gaps, coupled with the exponential growth of remote gambling. A hike could bring in as much as £900 million, and even UK-based gambling operators have shown willingness to pay higher rates abroad.
The Institute for Public Policy Research also advocated for a structural review of gambling taxes, calling for an extra £2.9 billion in duties by 2026. If realised, such reforms would directly impact poker operators and potentially alter how they engage with UK players. For poker enthusiasts, the future remains promising but clouded by change. The UK has long been considered a player-friendly market, with a 0% tax on poker winnings and comprehensive regulatory frameworks dating back to the 1960s. That landscape could shift, especially if tax reforms target online casino games more aggressively.
However, the foundational appeal of online poker in the UK is unlikely to vanish. Platforms like Americas Cardroom, with their international player base and legal accessibility in the UK, will remain key players. The 2020 lockdown served as a catalyst, not a one-off. It introduced millions to a game of strategy, discipline, and reward, factors that extend well beyond a single period of isolation. Whether poker becomes more taxed or heavily regulated, its cultural moment in the UK is undeniable. For those who found community, challenge, and even profit in the game during lockdown, the cards are already on the table.
