Although iGaming is a generic term for the vast, all-encompassing ecosystem of online gambling, when we refer to iGaming tournaments, we are only really referring to poker and blackjack.
While many of these tournaments will take place in a conventional casino setting, the term “iGaming tournament” suggests that there are tournaments for all manner of games, but only the card-based games have the gaming structure and the following to actually market themselves as viable tournaments.
Anyway, now that we have that out of the way, it’s time for us to dive into some of the tournaments you can try your hand at this year, and learn how to find out the competitions you most like the look of.
Shopping around the big brands
If you’re a poker fan, you won’t have any difficulty finding a range of poker tournaments online. There are, however, nuances to this. There are dozens of variants of poker, high-roller games and sweepstakes games that focus more on the strategy and skill involved in poker, rather than any money being on the line.
If you are a traditional player, this idea might sound unappealing. Still, the rise of sweepstakes has showcased just how big the market is for those who simply prefer to play games without the added stress of potential monetary loss.
Since poker involves so much strategy, which sets it apart from the rest of the market, more people seek out these games to refine their skills rather than trying to win big. Over the last few years, casino experts and those who have been reviewing the top brands on the market for the last couple of decades have noticed the emergence of sweepstakes casinos that effectively mirror the platforms, tournaments and gaming mechanics of conventional casinos. WSN ensures their experts rate sweepstakes casinos with their honest and knowledgeable opinions, as seen on their Stake.us review.
This strict attention to detail and a commitment to consistent, authentic reviewing have helped the sweepstakes world grow. Being judged alongside some of these multibillion-dollar companies means that sweepstakes iGaming tournaments consistently bring their A-game, with few poker players noticing any significant differences between the two types of tournaments.
Using promotions and bonuses to your advantage
Casino gaming tournaments are always a money-spinner. Platforms that can consistently bring in a few hundred players can quickly develop brand visibility within a highly competitive global iGaming market. Given the fierce demand, they are constantly looking for new ways to reshape and rejig their branding, offering a range of new promotions and bonuses that you can take advantage of.
There’s nothing that says you can’t shop around and take advantage of these offers, just as you can if you use a free spins or other welcome bonus. Promotions are used throughout the gaming market, not just the iGaming market; they’re used to promote virtual console games on the Nintendo Wii, bring in new gamers via the PlayStation or to push notifications for word games or puzzle apps – the list is almost endless.
An introduction to iGaming tournaments
Once you have browsed some of the platforms that host iGaming tournaments, it’s a simple case of signing up and entering. Some poker platforms will have a buy-in amount, and even if it is a sweepstakes provider, they will usually give you some sweepstakes coins and on-site currency to get started.
Understanding the game is crucial; we cannot stress this enough. You should not enter a poker tournament or a blackjack event without a strong knowledge of the game and a commitment to responsible gambling. It is irresponsible to join without understanding the rules of the game.
As long as you register for the platform using your name, email, date of birth etc, and then verify your information, entering the tournament will simply involve selecting it from the site, meeting the buy-in requirements and ensuring that you log in to the site on time to take your digital seat at the virtual table.
Final thoughts
The iGaming market is soaring at the moment, and collectively, it is valued at close to $100 billion. Tournaments, competitions and niche ideas such as sweepstakes casino games all have a viable place in the industry. They are all working collaboratively to maintain the remarkable health of a sector that has weathered some of the toughest patches of global economic turbulence since the beginning of the decade.
As long as you understand the rules of the game and the tournament, and know how to keep your betting measured and fun, you’re all set to try your hand this year. Always ensure you keep your gambling within sensible limits, and if you believe that you are struggling to do this, reach out to a problem gambling charity that can provide you with assistance to address your issue.
There is also a range of tools available online, via social media sites, and handy resources that can point you in the direction of tournaments, tournament etiquette and how to get a good grasp of online tournaments before you eagerly dive in to see what they have to offer.
