No one would have believed that Elon Musk would become an
International promoter for Poker. Well he has, ever since Tesla released a novel in-car “software gaming update” that was available in early 2020. Particularly, in his brainchild sold in
China. In 2016, Tesla enjoyed 15% Chinese sales of its $7 billion revenue.
As of 25 June 2020, there had been unconfirmed reports that Poker, such as Texas Hold’Em or Pot Limit Omaha could be One of two games offered on the system. Both these poker variants are fairly similar and most popular amongst enthusiasts of the sophisticated sport. It’s certainly one of the perks of having a chief in in-car infotainment for a Silicon Valley automaker on the block. Although they are not internet connected, according to gambling.com, at least a Chinese Tesla owner can bet, fold, call or raise, (poker talk) when the Tesla car is sufficiently (and only when) parked.
It was amidst government efforts to outlaw online poker in China that Elon Musk had partnered with Chinese Gaming compoany Tencent to catalyse his plans. To think Tencent pulled this off is a fair break in a straight line, considering the 2018 trouble it experienced with the Chinese government when the latter ceased operations on its free-play poker apps. First its WeChat messaging app was emptied off all its poker content before Everyday Texas Hold'em and others like it were trashed. As social apps were the only way for locals to get a piece of poker in recent years, this government-imposed termination had stopped poker's progress in China. (Real money games, dubbed "live poker", are illegal on the mainland.)
Yet, for Tesla, this move is not a walk in the park, so to speak. It amounts to actually messing with the legal status of poker in China. But apparently, the government's only concern is that children are not exposed to the elegant, high-stakes sport; therefore the software-update may not be in any real danger as it is aimed at only those who (can legally) drive the vehicle. That's two hits with one stone.
The car-based poker game, additionally, has the power to create new ones. This is a step-up for poker as it is in this way, expanding its base beyond its existing poker fans. This move could create a new breed of poker fans as Tesla and Tencent are actually using Chinese-culture to further "buy-in" to its popularity. Certainly a sizeable rake for Poker in China.
Written by Singham
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