How To Make Money from Poker Game Development

March 31, 2025

Starting a gambling business is a smart move! The global online poker market is set to hit $193.8 billion by 2030, growing at 11.5% annually. That’s a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to cash in.

However, remember success in this business isn’t just about creating a great game; choosing the right way to earn from it is just as important. A smart revenue plan keeps players engaged and keeps the money flowing. But picking the wrong plan can drive players away and burn your investment. Imagine a poker game filled with exciting features but struggling to make money. That’s a nightmare no business owner wants.

That’s why choosing the right monetization plan is important. But are you wondering how to make the right choice? This post will guide you through the best. We have briefly explained the monetization strategies for successful Poker game development. Keep reading! 

7 Monetization Strategies For Poker Game Development 

Want to turn your poker game into a money-making machine? Smart choices bring steady rewards. Players love the thrill, and when done right, the game keeps them returning for more. Here are seven fun ways to turn those virtual cards into real cash.

In-App Purchases

Players love extras, and that’s where business enthusiasts can generate profits. Virtual chips, exclusive themes, and custom avatars are all ways to keep players spending. When players run out of chips, they won’t stop playing—they’ll simply buy more. With well-timed offers, you can keep them engaged while raking in steady cash. Limited-time deals and daily bonus packs encourage spending without feeling too pushy. Think of it like a buffet: players don’t have to pay, but the best items always come with a price. This strategy allows poker gaming app owners to generate revenue consistently while keeping players excited and returning for more.

VIP Memberships

Some players crave exclusivity, and that’s a golden opportunity for business enthusiasts. A VIP pass unlocks extra chips, early tournament access, and exclusive tables—turning regular players into loyal spenders. Monthly or yearly plans bring in steady revenue, making earnings more predictable. The prestige of a VIP status keeps players engaged, and the longer they stay, the more they spend. Offering different membership levels ensures that every type of player finds a fit, from casual users to high rollers who are always ready for the next big challenge.

Ad Revenue

Ad revenue turns every player into a source of income, even if they never spend a dime. Poker apps can show ads from gaming brands, finance companies, or lifestyle products that match their audience. Rewarded ads let players earn free chips by watching short videos, keeping them engaged while earning revenue per view. Banner and interstitial ads bring in extra cash without interrupting the gameplay. The app earns money every time a player watches, clicks, or interacts with an ad. With the right balance, ads become a steady profit stream without pushing users away.

Tournament Entry Fees

Tournaments bring in serious players who are ready to pay for the thrill of competition. Charging an entry fee for these events creates a direct revenue stream while keeping the stakes high. Bigger prize pools attract more players, increasing participation and boosting earnings. Casual players can join low-stake tables, while high rollers compete for massive rewards, ensuring steady engagement at all levels. The more players enter, the more the prize pot grows, creating a cycle that keeps excitement—and profits—flowing nonstop.

Customizable Game Items

Customization keeps players invested. Selling unique card decks, table designs, and profile frames creates a steady stream of income without disrupting gameplay. These items let players express themselves, making them eager to collect more. Limited-edition collectibles spark urgency, pushing players to grab them before they’re gone. Once a player buys one, they’re likely to come back for more. Every purchase adds up, turning simple in-game cosmetics into a reliable source of revenue that keeps growing as the player base expands.

Affiliate Partnerships

Partnering with brands opens up a new stream of income. Casino-themed apps, poker gear, and online betting platforms blend naturally into the poker world. Players already interested in the game are more likely to explore these offers, turning simple recommendations into steady earnings. Affiliate links, exclusive discounts, and in-game promotions drive purchases while keeping players engaged. Each successful referral brings in commissions, making partnerships a smart way to boost revenue without extra effort. When done right, it feels like part of the game, not a sales pitch.

Subscription-Based Private Tables

Some players prefer a private space to enjoy the game with friends. Offering exclusive, subscription-based private tables adds a personal touch. Charging a monthly fee for access turns these tables into a premium feature. Custom rules, unique table designs, and voice chat enhance the experience, making it even more appealing. Once players find their favorite spot, they’ll return regularly, ensuring steady subscription income. These private tables create a sense of belonging, encouraging players to keep their subscriptions active for the long term, boosting your revenue.

Cost To Develop a Profitable Poker Game Venture

The cost to build poker game is influenced by several factors, ranging from the complexities of the development process to various feature integrations. However, the cost is also impacted by the location and expertise of the development team. 

The approximate cost of developing an online video poker game app can range between $30k and $150k. However, this is just an estimated amount; various factors influence the overall cost. Want to know about it in depth? Continue reading!

Note: This is the overview of the online video poker game cost breakdown based on the development phases:   

Development Phase	Cost Range
App Design & Branding	$5k– $20k
App Platform (Android or iOS)	$50k– $120k
Features Integration	$10k – $100k+
API Integration	$17k – $25k
Compliances	$10000 – $20k
Testing and Quality Assurance	$10k– $20k
Deployment & Launch	$2k – $10k
Maintenance	$2k – $10k/month

Hire Richestsoft for successful game development

A poker game can pull in huge money, but only if it’s built the right way. Some apps make a fortune, while others struggle to break even. The secret? A smart development team that knows how to turn a game into a money-maker.

RichestSoft brings years of experience crafting high-earning poker apps. We design smooth gameplay and eye-catching designs and help you choose smart monetization plans that keep players returning. Our team creates in-app purchases, VIP programs, tournament setups, and ad placements that bring steady earnings. Every revenue strategy is built with player behaviour and a successful business approach in mind, making the game feel fun while driving spending.

We don’t stop at development. Our experts handle UI/UX design, testing, and backend support to keep everything running smoothly. Security and fair play? We’ve got that covered, too. Whether it’s a real-money poker game or a virtual chip-based app, we shape it for success.

Conclusion

Overall, we hope you are well aware of the strategies you can use to monetize your game. Gaming makes money is not a phrase we frequently encountered in the initial days of game development. But in the last 4-5 years, the gaming industry has grown significantly, and game owners have found various ways to generate revenue from games, be they free games or paid games. 

However, remember that a great poker game isn’t just about cards and chips—it’s about keeping players engaged while generating revenue. RichestSoft builds highly productive apps. If you’re ready to bring your poker app idea to life, let’s turn it into something players love and investors celebrate.