Former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya has posted a controversial tweet claiming that online poker is set to be a victim of the rising AI technology sector.
Curious about AI’s impact on society? Look at online poker as an interesting, early window into the future.
Why?
Online poker is a multi billion dollar economy and will be worth exactly $0 over the next few years. The fall of this economy will be a harbinger of what’s possible…
Online poker is proving to be a fascinating case study, offering an early glimpse into the future of various industries as AI technology continues to evolve.
The online poker economy, currently valued in the billions of dollars, faces potential upheaval if advanced AI systems begin to infiltrate this space.
Chamath Palihapitiya is arguing that the rise of intelligent agents capable of sophisticated reasoning and strategic thinking could lead to a significant transformation in the online poker landscape, potentially rendering it less appealing to human players.
In fact, he claims that the online poker industry could collapse into worthlessness.
This is melodramatic, to say the least. And although Palihapitiya is a tech guy, he certainly isn’t fully up to speed with the online poker industry.
Online Poker Is Not in Imminent Danger from AI
Palihapitiya suggests that as these AI agents become adept at playing poker, they will learn to win at a reasonable rate, rather than taking every ounce of EV in every spot.
This is no different from the varied quality of bots which have been so widely publicised, and while it is annoying, these scandals have not come close to threatening the overall health of the game.
Palihapitiya’s implication is stark: the economic viability of online poker could plummet as casual players lose interest in competing against entities that operate at a level far beyond human capabilities.
This is exactly the view that the doom mongers have spouted since online poker came into existence and it has not come true.
We think that AI will not kill online poker but will instead reshape it, enhancing both the gameplay and the player experience, as proven already by its use in training tools and poker platforms.
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The Evolution of AI in Poker
AI’s journey in the poker realm began with the development of advanced poker-playing algorithms.
Notable successes include the AI programs Libratus and Pluribus, which demonstrated the capability to defeat top human players in various formats of the game.
These developments showcased AI’s potential to master complex strategies and adapt to human behaviour, raising concerns about the future of human players in the game. Note that these programs are not the same as the primitive bots we see today.
Tools like GTO Wizard, on the other hand, have revolutionised how poker players train, making top quality instruction more widely available.
No longer is the ball firmly in the court of the most talented thinkers, there is now much more reward for those who are prepared to work the hardest. This is highly positive.
Players can now enhance their skills through training and analytics. AI-powered tools provide players with real-time insights, helping them to understand their gameplay better and improve their strategies.
Online poker platforms are also using AI to monitor gameplay for unusual patterns already. This may indicate cheating, such as collusion or the use of unauthorised software.
AI to detect AI is a believable counter strategy that should give us all confidence that everything is safe for now.
The Multiway Pot Conundrum
Matt Berkey brought up some interesting points on his Only Friends podcast recently. The one that really stood out was that multiway pots are far from understood today, let alone solved as in heads-up spots.
We have no idea how far we are away from true mastery of this most complex area of the game, and we might have only just scratched the surface.
The Future of AI in Online Poker
Looking ahead, the integration of AI in online poker is likely to lead to exciting developments rather than the demise of the game.
AI could inspire the creation of innovative poker variants that challenge players in new ways. At some point in the distant future, we could see a poker landscape that is continually developing new, unsolved games to maintain player interest as well as the integrity of the game.
GGPoker has a range of exciting quickplay tournament formats such as All-in or Fold, Mystery Battle royale, and Flip & Go. All of these are far from solved games with plenty of nuance for players to find an edge.
The integration of AI into online poker presents both challenges and opportunities.
While concerns about AI diminishing the human element of the game are valid, the reality is that AI is more likely to enhance the poker experience in the near future.
By improving player skills, maintaining fairness, and fostering community engagement, AI can contribute to a richer and more dynamic online poker environment.
As the industry evolves, it will be crucial to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and preserving the essence of what makes poker a beloved game.
The future of online poker, intertwined with AI, promises to be innovative, engaging, and ultimately beneficial for players of all skill levels.
Rather than killing the game, AI is set to redefine it, ensuring that poker remains a vibrant and competitive pursuit for years to come.
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Mark Patrickson is a poker journalist with over ten years of experience. He writes for VIP-Grinders.com, sharing his deep knowledge of poker. He creates interesting content about poker strategy, trends, and news for poker fans worldwide. [more]
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