There is a natural feeling to believe if something is legal in one country, then it must be legal in another country. Or how something gets done in one country must be how it gets done in another, but this is far from the truth. Each country has its own set of rules, beliefs, and preferences for approaching a particular thing. This difference even goes for online poker real money in the USA. The US and Mexico are geographically close and have had many shared experiences throughout their history, and many things from one country have seeped their way into another. But each country is still distinctively different, and each country has its own set of rules and beliefs. While both countries have people who play poker, the level of popularity of both online and in-person poker will be different, and the type of poker played in Mexico may be different than in the US.
Below, we will look at the differences between the two countries regarding online poker, its legality, its popularity, and the type of game each country’s people prefer.
Legality
In both countries, the legality of online poker is the same. In both countries, it is legal, but in the US, it is only permitted in select states where online poker real money USA sites are allowed to operate. Only six states out of the country’s fifty allow online poker, unlike Mexico, where it is legal across the country.
Popularity of online poker (number of players)
The popularity of online poker is exploding in both countries, but there is a context that needs consideration. Online poker in the US has been accessible to the country’s people for a little longer than the people of Mexico, meaning the industry has had a more extended period to cultivate a following. In addition, internet access is much more pronounced in America than in Mexico. While 92% of America’s public has access to the Internet, only 78% of Mexico has access. When you consider that and how on a population basis America has more people than Mexico, it would be understandable to believe America has more online poker players than Mexico.
However, the critical factor to understanding the number of players who play online poker in each country is access to online poker. Legally, only six states have allowed online poker within their borders. In other states, it is illegal or remains in the gray area, which steers people away. So, while America has a bigger population, the number of people within the six states who allow online poker is smaller than Mexico’s population, which has no barriers to online poker other than internet access. So, interest-wise, both countries have a similar level of interest within their population. Still, more people in Mexico have access to online poker legally than in America, which would lead to more people playing online poker than those in the six states that allow online poker legally.
Style of play
In America, the popular form of poker is Texas Hold ’em. Texas Hold ’em has been expanding in popularity worldwide, but in Mexico, they have their version of poker, simply called Mexican poker. Below, we will take a brief look at each game and what makes them unique.
Texas Hold ’em – Both players receive two cards to start the game. Then, five “community cards” are laid on the table through three stages. The player’s objective is to make the best five-card hand utilizing the first two cards given to them and any combination of the five community cards they believe give them the best chance to win. Ultimately, they either need a better hand or convince the other player to fold their hand.
Mexican Poker – To begin, all 8s, 9s, and 10s get removed from the deck. Then, the players are given two cards, one face-down and another face-up. The players then have the option of flipping the down card before they receive the third card. If the player chooses to do this, the third card gets placed face-down. Otherwise, the player will receive it face-up. The betting continues, and the game aims to have the highest-ranking five-card hand. The only other thing to be aware of is the joker, which acts as a wild if it is given face down. But if given face up, it can still be used as a wild, but only with aces; flushes are straight.
Conclusion
Mexico and the United States have shared many things throughout its history. Mexican poker itself is becoming a popular sport in America as well as in Mexico, but this only serves as a reminder each country is different. Being near each other and having certain things in common does not take away from each country’s uniqueness and its different layers of development. Online poker, regardless, is going to be something that grows in each country. Each country is beginning to see the appeal of online poker and the benefits of online poker. But those differences will always remain.
