Ville Saari oversees the content team at Bojoko and has spent years tracking the evolution of online gambling from one of Canada’s most player-focused affiliate platforms. As live casinos grow and regulations tighten, few trends have reshaped the industry more than the growing divide between online poker and fast, easy-to-learn games like slots and roulette.
We spoke with Saari about why poker is becoming increasingly isolated from major casino brands, how operators are adapting to fast-play trends, and what the future might hold for poker.
Has the growing popularity of fast-paced casino games, along with bonus offers associated with them, shifted the focus away from poker?
“The rise of quick-play games has significantly shifted the spotlight away from poker. These games deliver instant wins and fast entertainment, which appeals to players and operators alike. Simpler gameplay and rapid outcomes fit perfectly into the modern player’s habits.
Poker, by comparison, demands time, strategy, and consistent engagement before rewards appear. It also relies on player liquidity and fair play, which make it more complex to manage. That’s why many operators now prioritise games that are easier to scale while still maintaining strong player interest.”
What have operators done right, or wrong, in the shift toward simpler casino games?
“Operators were right to focus on quicker, simpler games. These are easier to scale and provide immediate returns. Their appeal lies in a low learning curve and the ability to attract steady traffic, especially when combined with bonus-driven marketing.
Where some went wrong was underestimating poker’s long-term value. While poker takes more effort to run and learn, its community-driven nature builds loyalty over time, something fast games cannot replicate. By moving too far toward convenience, operators risked losing the kind of sustained engagement poker can bring.”
What led to poker becoming more isolated from the broader casino ecosystem? Was this a natural progression, or did operators accelerate the split?
“It’s a bit of both. Poker’s separation was partly a natural evolution, but also shaped by strategic choices. In the early days, poker was seen as a way to build loyal communities and long-term engagement. But as competition and player expectations shifted, many operators turned toward games that delivered quicker returns and required less overhead.
At the same time, the broader regulatory environment has grown more complex. While not the main reason for poker’s isolation, increasing compliance demands have made it harder to operate all game types efficiently. Games that are simpler to manage and promote have naturally taken centre stage.”
What are the operational cost differences between poker and other casino games, and how do they affect industry decisions?
“Poker is naturally more resource-intensive. It requires dedicated infrastructure, active moderation, and tools to prevent fraud while maintaining player liquidity. Operators have to manage tournaments, keep traffic flowing, and support community features; all of this adds to operational costs.
In contrast, quick-play games can be integrated easily and require minimal management. Shorter sessions and automated systems make them cheaper to run. It is simple economics; fast games cost less and deliver faster revenue, so they are more appealing for operators looking to scale quickly.”
What impact do safer-gambling tools have on poker compared to other casino offerings?
“Tools like affordability and reality checks affect poker more strongly than most other games. Poker sessions are longer, often running for hours or through tournaments, so mandatory checks can interrupt play and frustrate serious players.
Fast casino games, however, are played in short bursts and fit more easily within safer-gambling frameworks. That makes them less affected by these requirements. For poker, the challenge is balancing player protection with maintaining engagement over longer periods.”
Where do you see the future of poker in the current landscape? Can it reintegrate with casino games, or is the separation permanent?
“Poker will always keep its own identity within online gaming. Full reintegration with casino products is unlikely, but a form of smart proximity is possible; poker can sit alongside quick-play games while maintaining its unique appeal.
Its future lies in community and skill-based play. Innovations like mobile-first platforms, improved integrity tools, and player-focused events will help poker stay relevant. Operators just need to remember that poker thrives as a niche product built on connection and strategy, not instant gratification.”
