Top 5 Ways AI and Machine Learning Will Affect Modern Poker

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4 min readFeb 8, 2023
Via Noam Brown

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, and poker is no exception. As the game of poker has evolved over the years, so have the strategies used by both professional and amateur players alike.

AI and machine learning have allowed for more accurate estimations of probabilities, increased speed of play, and better understanding of player strategies. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 5 ways AI and machine learning will affect modern poker as well as discuss the results and implications these changes will have on the poker industry.

1. Enhanced Accuracy in Estimating Probabilities:

AI and machine learning algorithms are capable of performing complex calculations in a matter of seconds that would take humans hours to calculate manually. This allows for more accurate estimations of player’s chances to win a given hand or game, which in turn allows for more successful decision-making during gameplay.

2. Ability to Play Multiple Games at Once:

AI bots are capable of playing multiple games at once, allowing users to maximize their potential winnings from multiple tables simultaneously. This also gives users an edge over other players who are only playing one table at a time.

via RTTNews

3. Better Understanding Player Strategies:

By incorporating AI and machine learning algorithms into poker software, users can gain an advantage by detecting patterns in the betting behavior of their opponents. This allows them to make better informed decisions when playing against any given opponent.

4. Deployment of Self-Learning Algorithms for In-Game Decisions:

Self-learning algorithms allow bots to analyze past decisions and adapt their future strategies accordingly. This feature allows bots to make better decisions over time without needing human intervention or programming updates.

“For poker players, the potential of AI and machine learning means that they can now benefit from data modeling in real time, use intelligent solutions to determine game strategy and leverage predictive analysis to outmaneuver their opponents — Alex Ander, author of ‘Poker & AI’.

5. Faster Game Speed:

AI bots can make faster decisions than humans, allowing for faster gameplay overall. This means that more hands can be played in a shorter amount of time, resulting in higher potential winnings for players who can make quick decisions backed by accurate calculations.

Results/Implications of These Changes on the Poker Industry

The introduction of AI and machine learning into modern poker has already had some noticeable effects on the industry as a whole, with more expected to come as technology continues to evolve. The most notable changes include:

Increasing Level of Competition:

With AI bots now being able to outplay most human opponents, the level of competition has increased significantly since their introduction into the game. This has made it much harder for players to consistently win money from playing poker online or at live tournaments, leading many professional players to switch to other forms of gambling such as sports betting or casino games instead.

More Online Activity & Growth in Social Gaming Aspects:

As more people are now able to play against bots instead of just other humans, there has been a rise in online activity due to increased accessibility for players all over the world. Additionally, social aspects such as leaderboards and tournaments have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide players with a sense of accomplishment despite not actually winning any money from playing against bots or other humans online.

via Analytics Insight

Different Gambling Landscape with Self-Learning Bots // Outsourcing Dealt Games:

With self-learning bots now available on many different gambling sites, there is no longer any need for human dealers or house staff members in order to run a game successfully. This has led many casinos and other gambling establishments to start outsourcing dealt games in order to reduce overhead costs while still providing customers with an enjoyable gaming experience without compromising on quality or security standards set by regulatory bodies such as eCOGRA or GLI (Gaming Laboratories International).

New Challenges for Professional Poker Players:

With more advanced strategies being developed every day by AI bots, it is becoming increasingly difficult for professional players to stay one step ahead when competing against them in tournaments or even just casual games online. This has led many professionals to focus more on adapting their own strategies in order to remain competitive instead of relying solely on luck or intuition when making decisions during gameplay.

Overall, it is clear that AI and machine learning are having a major impact on modern poker play and this trend is only expected to continue growing as technology advances further into the future. By utilizing these new tools effectively, players can gain an advantage over their opponents while also reducing their risk when gambling online or at live tournaments as well as providing them with an enjoyable gaming experience with less human interaction required overall compared to traditional casino settings.

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