History of MPL Poker in India

MPL Poker is a part of Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s largest mobile gaming platforms. Since its launch, MPL Poker has grown from a niche game offering to a significant part of India’s online poker ecosystem. Its rise reflects the growing popularity of online real-money games in the country, driven by smartphone access, competitive tournaments, and user-friendly interfaces.

Here’s a look at how mpl-poker.com developed in India and shaped the landscape of digital poker.

Origins of MPL and Entry into Poker

MPL was founded in 2018 as a multi-game platform offering fantasy sports, casual games, and esports. In response to the rising popularity of card games and real-money competitions, MPL introduced poker to its game lineup around 2020.

Poker on MPL was designed to be accessible, with:

  • Easy tutorials for beginners
  • Low-entry tournaments
  • Integration with the broader MPL wallet and user system

This helped poker reach a wider audience, including players who were new to the game.

Expansion and Growth Phase

Between 2021 and 2023, MPL Poker experienced significant growth, driven by:

  • Weekly tournaments with real cash prizes
  • The introduction of leaderboards and contests
  • Increased focus on user security and fair play

The app began attracting both casual and semi-professional players who appreciated the opportunity to compete in structured events with low buy-ins and quick payouts.

MPL Poker’s Role in Indian Online Poker

MPL helped democratize poker in India by offering:

  • A smoother onboarding experience than traditional poker platforms
  • A younger player base coming from gaming rather than traditional gambling
  • Cross-promotion through MPL’s other popular games

This helped shift poker’s perception from a niche card game to a mainstream skill-based game among Indian youth.

Regulatory Navigation and Trust Building

As the Indian gaming landscape came under greater regulatory focus, MPL took proactive steps to:

  • Strengthen compliance with real-money gaming laws
  • Promote responsible gaming through self-exclusion and deposit limits
  • Invest in anti-cheating technology to build player trust

These efforts allowed MPL Poker to remain operational and continue growing even as some competitors faced legal challenges.