Bitcoin, blockchain tech and crypto in general are set to disrupt the entire world and the process has already begun.  Today I wanted to take a look at the poker world in particular and how the ability to use a decentralized currency and build on the blockchain promises to transform the industry.

There are a number of blockchain enthusiasts within the poker community, some who have made a lot of money in trading crypto, some who enjoy playing in Bitcoin, some who can see how blockchain tech will ensure fairness of their game and some who simply recognize just how big this technology is and how it will change the world.

To learn more about poker’s relationship to crypto, I spoke with a professional poker player, Daniel, who wishes to remain anonymous.  Daniel first heard of crypto-currencies about five years ago when one of his friends got into mining, but due to the complexities of the practice, Daniel didn’t take much notice.  Shortly thereafter, professionals in Daniel’s circle starting buying Bitcoin to trade and make a profit using MTGOX, a platform that was also a bit complicated for Daniel’s taste.  It wasn’t until he heard of CoinBase that Daniel actually got involved with Bitcoin.

“This exchange seemed quite easy to operate, and at the time the only thing you had to do in order to buy Bitcoin was connect a bank account and place an instant order, similar to trading any sort of stock or security through E-Trade etc”, Daniel shared.