Europe’s online poker scene is thriving, backed by strong regulations, a mature market, and some of the highest internet penetration rates in the world. Countries such as the UK, France, and Spain continue to dominate player volumes and revenue, with their gambling-friendly laws fueling sustained growth. According to Grand View Research, hybrid poker tournaments (combining online qualifiers with live, in-person finals) are reshaping the tournament calendar across Europe and North America. This approach gives players access to championship-level competition without the immediate travel cost, while maintaining the prestige of live finals. Major poker brands like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and World Poker Tour (WPT) have embraced this hybrid structure, boosting engagement and participation. At the same time, cross-border gaming agreements are expanding prize pools, while innovative integrations—such as esports tie-ins, live dealer games, and AI-powered poker tools—are enriching the player experience.
Europe’s appetite for diverse formats is also driving a surge in Omaha’s popularity. Its deeper strategic complexity resonates with European players, who are increasingly using solvers and advanced training platforms to refine their game. With these developments, the European market offers fertile ground for ambitious operators ready to deliver cutting-edge experiences. Among them, Americas Cardroom is rapidly positioning itself as not just a US powerhouse, but a major force across the European poker landscape.
Building a Global Roster and a European Presence with Crypto Poker
Americas Cardroom’s strategy for European expansion hinges on more than technology; it’s about building a truly international brand identity. The operator has assembled a global team of poker professionals who appeal to diverse audiences. UK online poker icon Chris Moorman, Ukrainian standout Svitlana “Svetarik” Dryha, Estonia’s Oskar “Deckflow” Ojaveer, and rising Irish star Conor “Ccoonnoorr” O’Driscoll are among the high-profile players representing the brand in Europe. This roster is at the forefront of community-focused events such as the Americas Cardroom Team Online Championships, which run on the first three Thursdays of each month. These low buy-in, high-engagement tournaments allow everyday players to compete directly against sponsored pros in a more accessible, interactive environment. As O’Driscoll notes, it’s a way to “come together, have some fun, and interact with us on a whole new level.”
The UK remains a cornerstone of Americas Cardroom’s European strategy. With online poker fully legal and subject to 0% tax on player winnings, the market offers an unparalleled combination of player freedom and regulatory clarity. Since the 1960s, the UK has maintained a gambling-friendly stance, formalising online poker laws in 2005. This has cemented the nation’s status as one of the most active real-money poker hubs in the world. Americas Cardroom has leveraged this environment by creating a crypto poker platform that offers privacy-focused payment options, including support for USDT, BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, and DOGE, along with player-to-player (P2P) exchanges. For European players concerned about security, the operator uses the latest encryption technology to protect data and support anonymous play. Beyond the UK, Americas Cardroom is steadily increasing its footprint in continental Europe through high-stakes live tournament packages. Recent partnerships have given players the opportunity to win their way to prestigious events like the Super High Roller Series in Montenegro, further reinforcing the brand’s cross-Atlantic reach.
A Breakthrough Partnership: Battle of Malta
Perhaps the clearest sign of Americas Cardroom’s European ambitions is its groundbreaking collaboration with the Battle of Malta (BOM). In 2024, the operator partnered with the iconic live festival to launch its first-ever online edition, marking BOM’s 10-year anniversary. For the first time, players around the world could compete in a BOM event from the comfort of their homes, with winners earning seats to the live festival at Casino Malta later that year. The live series itself revamped its schedule with events like the Americas Cardroom Super High Roller, and a host of off-the-felt activities that Malta’s poker community is famous for.
Americas Cardroom Pro Chris Moneymaker called the partnership “a way to honor the legacy of one of the most beloved names in European poker while opening the door for thousands of players worldwide.” The synergy between the operator’s global online audience and BOM’s established live reputation has helped elevate the festival to new heights. Last year’s BOM attracted participants from over 60 countries, a number set to grow with the new hybrid format. This expansion isn’t just about prestige. By hosting the online Battle of Malta, Americas Cardroom has demonstrated how North American poker operators can integrate seamlessly into Europe’s established tournament culture. The brand’s ability to blend online accessibility with live-event excitement is proving to be a model for future cross-continental collaborations.
Conclusion
Europe’s online poker market is competitive, innovative, and player-driven—qualities that make it both challenging and rewarding for operators looking to expand from overseas. Americas Cardroom has not only recognised these dynamics but also embraced them, aligning its growth strategy with Europe’s appetite for hybrid events, strategic variety, and international competition. With a global roster of ambassadors, localised payment solutions, high-stakes live packages, and landmark partnerships like the Battle of Malta, Americas Cardroom is moving beyond its US stronghold to establish itself as a dominant force in European poker. As the market continues to evolve, the operator’s ability to combine American scale with European sophistication could redefine what it means to be a truly global online poker brand.