Poker is still active even during this pandemic. A number of people shifted online for safety purposes.
Two big tournaments just recently finished that had over 10o Million USD in the guarantee. It was a long month of the tournament and the number of players that joined online was great.
but nothing can change the smell of the felt or the way you can stack your chips while playing.
The vaccine might still be a year away which leaves uncertainty that poker can remain the same.
Countries that are able to control the spread of the virus was able to hold live events with good numbers. Countries like Korea and Taiwan were able to hold events that were well received.
While some countries that could not handle effectively contain it have to re-open for the economy. Which raises the question of how will poker in Asia change due to the pandemic?
U.S. Casinos Begin Reopening
While casinos in the U.S. have begun to re-open. there are Casinos opting not to open poker.
Here is a list of casinos in the U.S. monitored by Ante up. Link
Less than 25% of poker have re-open in casinos in the states.
Nevada has the biggest and most robust live poker market in the United States of America and Only Orleans, Peppermill Reno, and Venetian have definite listed opening plans.
Asian poker scene
Asia has a rich number of poker players. it was more than 10 years ago when poker started out. Manila back then was the center as it was legal. Macau poker rooms actually hired Filipino dealers and floor to train there own dealers. Even up to now, there are dealers and floor who regularly fly to other countries to deal with or handle the poker games.
Macau has a love-hate relationship with poker. although some of the biggest tournaments were held in Macau. Casinos in Macau prefer other games than poker.
The Philippines still needs to get its act together as the number of people getting infected with the virus in the Philippines is still growing.
Countries like Taiwan and South Korea who were able to contain the virus are enjoying steady growth.
Vietnam is so far been able to control the spread of the virus and could enjoy and welcome players looking for live games. However, We believe cash games in Vietnam is still in a gray area.
The big question is the international poker tours. some countries implement a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for any visitors from other countries. Traveling to other countries may not take a while before we can get back to pre-pandemic days.
Until there a proven Vaccine. it looks like poker in Asia will have to change. The reliance of international players will have to lessen and developing the local market is a must in order for poker houses to survive.
Here are some of the possible changes we will see in countries that have problems dealing with the virus but must re-open. Some of these ideas were shared by the poker rooms to maintain the safety of the players.
Plexiglass dividers
A Florida poker room made a buzz on social media which was considerably made fun of on their experimental setup.
Plexiglass dividers were added to the seats shielding both the dealer and the player. Tables allowed 6-player max and a lowered rake to attract the players.
When Nevada release a guide for re-opening. they set poker at a maximum of 4 players per table. which was not warmly accepted by poker players.
A lot of players do not like short-handed games. this is connected with the rake and blinds. 4-handed tables may not be the best option for poker players.
Even in Asia, the current set up of Casinos is to allow 3-4 max players on a table. but poker tables are far bigger than other gaming tables. if dividers would be installed. 6 handed may be able to work.
Chip cleaner
There are a lot of chip cleaners out there. but with this particular virus and poker being the game being played. The same chips change hands than other normal games faster.
Prior to closing. a few gaming companies already started doing this. games regularly interrupted for cleaning tables and chairs.
This could, in fact, become a new normal that players might need to get accustomed to.
Air purifiers
Air purifiers will become another necessity. Casinos have a good air filtration system. but what about poker houses?
It has been proven that air conditioners do help spread the virus.
Some poker houses in Manila do not have a decent air conditioning system. The need to install air purifiers may become a necessity.
Products like E3 Air purifiers have a UV light filtration. For those interested, you can click this link to an authorized seller to know more. Click here
A lot of poker houses might have more than a dozen of these to ensure safety.
There are quite a few air purifiers in the market. which may now become a regular item that will be found in public establishments.
Deck shufflers with UV or more regular changing of decks.
We do not know if such things exist. but cards in poker regularly use and are passed around players to players in one game. One poker room has shared to us that they will change deck more often for cleaning purpose.
Stay home and play online with Poker house groups.
A few years back, poker houses were locking down on PP poker. The app became so popular that it has taken players out of the live felt.
but poker rooms are forced to shift and hold games online. One such poker room is the Isabela poker house which now operates a PP group. you can read more about it here.
Conclusion
Live poker has to change. whether your on a country that was able to handle the pandemic better or not. From wearing a facemask, body temperature checks, or more detailed change like what we have listed above.
There should be no shortcut as the health and well being of the players will be at stake. One bad news can shut down a poker room or house for good.
We will check some of the poker rooms and their safety measure once they re-open. hope to see you soon.
