Poker is experiencing a meaningful shift, driven by growing efforts to make the game more inclusive and to elevate the presence of women at every level. Across live events and online platforms, more women are finding their place at the table, inspired by visible role models, mentorship opportunities, and supportive communities that foster confidence and connection. What was once a challenging environment to enter is gradually transforming into one that celebrates collaboration, respect, and shared passion for the game.
Amid this transformation, Julien Liarte, Business Development Manager at Flutter Entertainment plc, shares his insights on how the industry can continue building momentum for women in poker. In this interview with SiGMA News, he discusses the importance of representation, safety, and community, and how operators can create spaces that empower women to thrive and build lasting careers. Liarte’s perspective underscores that championing women in poker isn’t just progress—it’s essential to the game’s long-term growth.
Creating inclusive spaces
SiGMA News: Poker has traditionally been male-dominated, what steps do you see as most effective in encouraging more women to not only enter the game but also sustain long-term careers in poker?
Julien Liarte, Business Development Manager at Flutter Entertainment plc: When it comes to women in poker, one critical element is representation. Female ambassadors and visible role models such as Kerryjane Craigie and Marle Spragg inspire other women to play and pursue the game. Taking the first step towards sitting at the poker table can be difficult, but having role models helps break that barrier. Another important factor is creating opportunities through mentorship, community support, and ensuring that women feel safe and respected in every environment where poker is played.
SiGMA News: Beyond representation at the tables, how can poker operators create safer, more welcoming spaces both online and live, for women and underrepresented groups?
Liarte: Operators must be proactive in this area, with clear codes of conduct, staff training, and visible support channels when issues arise. Online safety can be maintained through tools and moderation, but in live events, the atmosphere at the table plays a key role.
A recent women’s summer festival in London demonstrated how positive the environment can be, welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. The goal is to bring that same atmosphere to all poker events, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and where poker can grow as a more inclusive community.
Skills beyond the table
SiGMA News: Many professional players develop skills in risk management, analytics, and discipline. How can these be repurposed for careers in the iGaming sector?
Liarte: The skill set developed through poker translates well into the gaming industry. It involves risk management, emotional control, and data-driven decision-making. This aligns closely with the iGaming business, which requires taking calculated risks and extensive data analysis. As a result, many poker players transition successfully into careers in the iGaming sector.
SiGMA News: Do you see more poker players moving into roles such as product development, operations, or game design within iGaming companies?
Liarte: Definitely. Many poker players possess a deep understanding of gameplay dynamics and player psychology, which gives them a unique perspective on what engages and retains players. Their first-hand experience allows them to anticipate player expectations and preferences more accurately. This insight provides valuable, authentic feedback that helps shape products and features that truly resonate with the player community, ultimately leading to more engaging and well-designed gaming experiences.
SiGMA News: Generation Z (Gen Z) consumes entertainment differently — short-form, social, and interactive. How is poker evolving to engage and retain this new generation of players?
Liarte: Poker is evolving through innovation to align with the preferences of a new generation that values immediacy, community, and interactivity. Gen Z engages with content that feels fast-paced, authentic, and socially connected, and the game is adapting accordingly.
From a live event perspective, a recent event in Barcelona introduced a new format of live poker linked directly to the online product Spin & Go. This integration bridges the gap between live and digital experiences, creating a more dynamic and connected environment. The goal is to make poker feel more accessible and engaging, while maintaining the authenticity and excitement that define the game.
Evolving the poker experience
SiGMA News: Fast-fold, Spin & Go, and gamification have changed how poker is consumed. Which innovations are most impactful for long-term growth?
Liarte: Shorter formats and gamification may attract new audiences to poker, but long-term engagement depends on maintaining the essence of the game. New formats like Spin & Go brought to live poker show that the future lies in combining the excitement and accessibility of online play with the expertise of live event design. Real innovation comes from balancing fun and modern formats with the traditional foundation that makes poker so popular.
SiGMA News: Live-dealer poker and cross-vertical formats are growing. Do you see hybrid live-digital experiences as the future of poker?
Liarte: Yes, it’s the future of poker, but it’s also the present, as many hybrid experiences are already in use. The way players register for events, access information, and view results all rely on connected technology. Efforts focus on staying at the forefront of innovation in live updates, registration processes, and streaming coverage. Blending these experiences ensures that regular poker players remain engaged while also attracting new audiences.
SiGMA News: Over the next 3–5 years, what do you believe will matter most for poker’s global growth — regulatory clarity, tech innovation, or community building?
Liarte: All three will play a significant role, but if only one must be chosen, community building stands out. Regulation serves as the foundation, as nothing can progress without it. Technology is essential, as in this era, not investing in innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) means falling behind. However, experience shows that players return because of the quality of the live tournaments and the experiences they share with friends and peers. This shared experience strengthens the bond between players and poker operators, and that will remain the main focus in the years to come.
Be part of the action! Join the world’s biggest iGaming community with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates, insider insights, and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
