Are In-Person Card Games Dying Out?

The question is: are they truly disappearing, or are they just evolving?

Europe boasts a rich tapestry of traditional card games, each deeply embedded in local cultures. The games are more than mere pastimes; for many, they are integral to social interactions and cultural identity.

In Norway, for instance, games like Mattis have been cherished for generations. But in recent years, many Norwegians have also opened their eyes to the possibilities online. Thanks to online casino sites, eager players have been able to find safe and enjoyable options for online gambling (source: norskecasinoeronline.com). At most of these sites, players can engage in card games such as poker, blackjack and more.

Despite the encroachment of digital entertainment, many Norwegians still continue to engage in the traditional games in person too, preserving their heritage. It is for example often used as a social game, especially with friends and in more rural settings such as weekends at the cabin or in between skiing sessions in the slopes.

Similarly, in other European countries like Belgium and the United Kingdom, a significant portion of the population still enjoys playing card games. A 2023 survey indicated that 31% of Belgian adults and 23% of UK adults engage in playing board games or cards. This reflects a sustained interest in in-person gaming activities, even with the possibilities available online.

In America, in-person card games have long been tied to both casual and high-stakes settings. From poker nights with friends and family gatherings featuring Rummy or Hearts, to casinos with lively Blackjack and Poker tables. But today, many of these games have shifted online.

According to another 2023 survey, nearly 50% of Americans seldom engage in in-person card games, while only 7% play them regularly). This decline is partly attributed to the rise of online gaming platforms, which offer digital versions of classic card games, providing convenience but lacking the tactile and social nuances of face-to-face play.

In many Asian countries, traditional card games remain an essential part of cultural and social life. For example, in China, games like Guandan have been played for generations. However, recent governmental crackdowns have targeted such games, labeling them as "decadent" and associating them with negative social behaviors. This has led to a decline in public playing of these games, as authorities aim to curb their prevalence.

In India, Rummy has always been a favorite, but today it’s thriving more in digital spaces than in living rooms. Gaming apps have made the game more accessible, but this has come at the cost of traditional face-to-face gameplay.

Around the world, it is clear that, while card games are still played in person, digital solutions have become a go-to for many. While online platforms offer convenience, in-person card games provide several things digital versions cannot fully replicate:

● Reading opponents: Facial expressions and body language play a huge role in games like Poker.

● Tactile experience: Shuffling and dealing cards add a unique sensory aspect.

● Community bonding: Playing cards in person fosters relationships and traditions.

Additionally, in-person play often creates an environment of deeper engagement. Unlike online games, where distractions are common, sitting at a physical table encourages players to stay present in the moment. Conversations flow more naturally, and the act of playing becomes an event rather than just a quick session between other digital activities.

So despite the convenience of digital platforms, the cultural significance of in-person card games cannot be understated. These games often serve as a conduit for social interaction, community building, and the preservation of cultural traditions.

The global decline in in-person card game participation can be largely attributed to the proliferation of digital alternatives. Online platforms and mobile apps now offer a plethora of card games that can be played anytime, anywhere.

While there’s no denying the shift toward online play, in-person card games aren’t completely dying out. Instead, they are adapting. Some trends keeping them alive include:

● Game cafés and board game bars that encourage face-to-face play.

● Hybrid events where players compete both in-person and online.

● Cultural preservation efforts that integrate traditional card games into festivals and education.

For many, the joy of sitting around a table, shuffling a deck, and engaging in friendly competition is something no screen can replace. The question isn’t whether in-person card games will vanish—it’s whether people will continue to make space for them in a digital world.