In its original avatar as a club and casino favourite, poker never really took off as a pastime among women. For most of the 20th century, it remained a predominantly male activity, much like hunting or cracking dad jokes. This could be down to the fact that the early pioneers of poker in its breeding ground, the USA, were gold rush migrants, cowboys and seafarers.
Then, there was the belief that women were not very keen on taking risks with their poker hands, unlike male poker players. Whatever the reason, the fact remained that women in poker were more of an exception rather than the norm.
However, there has been a gradual undercurrent of change in recent times that is bridging this gender gap.
The Gender Gap in Poker:
When it comes to online games, the gender gap is there, but it is not glaring. In India, female participation is estimated to be around 41%, according to the State of India Gaming Report by Lumikai. In many Southeast Asian countries, women lead in online game participation, averaging 53% in the gender ratio. Take the Philippines for instance. It has a 63% female participation in online games.
Now, place this respectable online game gender ratio alongside poker. Poker has a paltry 5% female participation in live tournaments, which explains their offline absence. It is better in online poker at 10%, but still a far cry from the overall online gaming gender dynamics.
How Women are Creating a Presence?
The emergence of online games has given women a new opportunity to entertain themselves. From the unwritten tradition of not showing up in poker games, they now had a chance to try their poker hands from the comfort of their couch.
The availability of poker on online platforms meant that they could enjoy the game in a less intimidating atmosphere. They no longer need to tread carefully through the high-adrenaline environment of casinos and club rooms.
A poker platform in India reported a 33% increase in female participation during a poker tournament in 2023. The platform also mentioned that increased participation from tier-II and tier-III towns has been observed in recent times. This is experienced by all leading poker platforms in India, including Pocket 52.
The spike in female participation is not limited to developing countries alone. A study conducted in England showed that female buy-ins in poker have increased in the country. Compared to a 14% increase in buy-ins among male participants, the percentage was 22% among women. A look at the last five years’ data also shows an increase in female participation. The 23% rise in female poker participation is an encouraging sign, compared to the 22% increase among men.
Women Trailblazers in Poker:
While female participation in live and physical poker events has been low, there have been quite a few trailblazers. They stand out as an inspiration for other women who see poker as a probable source of entertainment and pastime.
New Yorker Vanessa Selbst has won three World Series of Poker bracelets, thanks to her aggressive handling of poker hands. The Yale University graduate’s achievements in poker have been an inspiration for women in poker’s homeland.
Liv Boeree has a World Series of Poker bracelet and numerous other accolades to show for her poker skills. The English poker pro is also an astrophysics graduate, showing that gaming interest can be everybody’s cup of tea.
Maria Ho is a legendary figure among female poker players. The Taiwan-born pro discovered her skills in the US while studying at the University of San Diego. With her broadcasting presence, she is further popularising poker among women.
The exploits of Canadian poker pro Kristen Bicknell show that poker is not restricted to specific countries and continents. The Ontario native is the winner of two World Series of Poker bracelets and is regarded as one of the top female poker pros in the world.
At only 19 years, Norwegian poker sensation Annette Obrestad became the youngest person to win a World Series of Poker bracelet. She is now a popular YouTube personality and continues to inspire countless poker-loving women.
Poker is a game that requires cognitive skills, strategic thinking and a cool head on your shoulders. There is no reason why female poker enthusiasts would fall short on any of these parameters. All they needed was a strong precedence of success in this field, and the female poker trailblazers have done exactly that.
Poker as a Vehicle for Promoting Gender Equality:
Rather than worrying about the gender gap in poker, it can be seen as a tool to bridge gender inequality in our everyday lives. The art of solving problems with incomplete information, remaining unruffled while taking risks, bluffing and seeing through bluffs – these are abilities that can help women in many professions and activities.
More and more women breaking the gender barrier and turning into poker professionals is a keenly awaited development in the world of card games.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
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Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
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