The US iGaming landscape is facing a generational crossroads. As more states move toward regulation, operators are struggling to reconcile the traditional, skill-based nature of poker with the fast-paced, high-gratification expectations of Gen Z and Millennials. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Jeremy Grooves, COO at EvenBet Gaming, to explore the risks and rewards of gamification and whether “poker purism” can survive in the age of video-game-inspired mechanics.
Q: Jeremy, is “Gamification” in US poker a genuine evolution or just a marketing buzzword to mask declining player interest?
A: It is a strategic necessity. In the US, poker doesn’t just compete with other casinos; it competes with TikTok, video games, and social media. Gamification isn’t about changing the rules of the game; it’s about enhancing the “meta-game” – the rewards, social interactions, and the sense of progression that happens between hands.
Q: The US market is famous for its love of “Stat-heavy” play. Does adding RPG elements or loot boxes risk driving away the serious grinders?
A: That is the “trap.” If you disrupt the mathematical integrity of the game, the pros leave. The solution is a dual-track UI: a professional, clean interface for the core game and a highly engaging layer for achievements, avatars, and mission-based rewards that doesn’t interfere with the betting flow.
Q: Gen Z has an attention span often measured in seconds. How does poker – a game of patience – survive this?
A: Through “Snackable Content.” We are seeing a shift toward ultra-short formats and “All-in or Fold” variations. The key is reducing “dead time.” If a player isn’t in a pot, the software must provide alternative engagement – integrated mini-games or social betting on the outcome of the current hand.
Source: iGaming Business: Evolution of Player Engagement
Q: US regulations are notoriously strict. How do you implement features like “Mystery Bounties” within the legal frameworks of New Jersey or Michigan?
A: Every gamified feature must be transparent and RNG-certified. Mystery Bounties have been massive in live US tournaments and are transitioning online because they provide a “big win” moment without altering the poker skill element. Regulators accept them as long as the prize distribution is clearly audited.
Source: NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement Technical Standards
Q: Is there a risk that poker becomes too much like a slot machine?
A: Yes, and that is a failure of design. If the outcome feels random, you lose the “Skill Game” branding that is crucial for poker’s legal status in many states. Gamification should reward loyalty and skill – for example, unlocking achievements for successful bluffs – rather than just awarding random luck-based prizes.
Q: How do the hardware preferences of US audiences impact the implementation of these features?
A: The US is aggressively mobile-first for casual players. If your 3D avatars or animations cause lag on a standard smartphone, the player is gone. In the US market, gamification must be optimized: it has to look stunning but remain technically lightweight to ensure zero latency during play.
Q: What role does “Social Poker” play in bringing the new generation into real-money US apps?
A: It’s the primary bridge. Gen Z wants to play with friends, not just against strangers. Features like private clubs, integrated voice chat, and “throwable” digital items are moving from social apps into real-money platforms to recreate the “home game” feel.
Source: Grand View Research: Social Gaming Market Trends
Q: Final thought: Will we see a “Video Game/Poker” hybrid dominate the US by 2030?
A: The game engine will remain classic poker, but the environment will be a broad social-entertainment ecosystem. Poker will be the core activity within a much larger digital experience.
Q: Sum up the future of Gen Z poker in one word.
A: Interaction.
Conclusion
Modernizing poker for the US market is a delicate balancing act. As Jeremy Grooves illustrates, the “Gamification Trap” is avoidable if operators focus on enhancing the player’s journey rather than diluting the game’s strategy. By merging high-energy social features with the integrity of classic poker, the industry can capture the next generation without losing the high-value veterans who define the game.
Ready to future-proof your poker platform? EvenBet Gaming delivers compliant, gamified solutions designed to engage the modern player. Contact us today to see our latest US-ready features.