Whether it’s a friendly game or a casino session — online or in person — every poker player knows that a good strategy is essential to success. For Joonas Karhu, poker and strategy are inseparable.
We spoke with him to learn how poker shaped his strategic vision and how that experience carried him from passionate player to Co-founder of Bojoko.com, now part of the international North Star Network group.
You often emphasize the importance of setting a clear framework before playing. What does that mean for online casino players?
“The foundation of a clear framework is understanding your environment. In poker, that means knowing the odds, your position at the table, and managing your bankroll. In online casinos, it’s about understanding how a game works, knowing the return-to-player rate, and setting your own limits. Many players skip these steps and play without mastering the basics. As a result, the experience becomes random, and the player loses that essential feeling of control that leads to success.”
READ MORE: The Art of Game Selection: How to Identify Bankroll-Friendly Poker Games
Poker teaches you to accept ups and downs. How can this mindset help players who feel frustrated when playing online?
“Accepting fluctuations is key. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That reality taught me that success isn’t measured by a single moment, but over time. The same logic applies to online casinos: you shouldn’t be ruled by one win or loss. What matters most is sticking to your limits and keeping a long-term perspective. That’s what makes the experience calmer and more balanced.”
From poker player to Co-founder of Bojoko — your career shows discipline and long-term vision. In such a competitive industry, where is this discipline most critical today?
“In poker, discipline taught me not to act impulsively and to always think several moves ahead. For online casino players, that means respecting your limits and knowing when to stop, even when the urge to keep playing is strong. For companies, it’s about resisting the temptation of short-term results and staying true to responsible principles. In both cases, discipline is what builds sustainable success.”
Blackjack is another game where strategy matters. How does it compare to poker in terms of player control and decision-making?
“Blackjack is a game of structure and discipline. You follow a clear strategy, manage your bets wisely, and often need the patience to wait for the right moment to act. Unlike poker, where bluffing and reading opponents play a big role, blackjack rewards consistency and composure at the table. Sometimes the hardest part is simply staying patient and sticking to your plan.
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Poker is also about reading patterns. In online casinos, there aren’t opponents in the traditional sense — so where do you find them?
“Patterns are everywhere. Some games offer better odds than others. Some promotions are worth more than an impulsive bet. It takes curiosity and the ability to sort information. The game should always remain entertainment — but those who stand out usually take a more thoughtful approach, where observation, comparison, and analysis make all the difference.”
You’ve said that players should maintain control. How can one keep a sense of control in online gaming, despite the element of chance?
“Control isn’t about predicting outcomes — it’s about defining your boundaries. In poker, you decide which hands to play and how much to bet. In online casinos, it’s about choosing games you understand, setting comfortable stakes, and stopping when you’ve decided to. Those choices give a genuine feeling of control, even in the face of chance.”
Looking ahead, what lesson from poker should the online casino industry still adopt?
“For me, it’s honesty about the process. In poker, players know the game is hard and that only a few truly win in the long run. In online casinos, we still talk too little about probabilities and real chances. If the industry became more transparent, players could make better-informed decisions. That would create a more balanced and lasting relationship between players and operators. In any case, whether in poker or online casinos, one truth remains: strategy makes all the difference.”
