Gone will be the days when poker was played in back rooms by a handful of regular players. Now it appears as if you cannot turn on the television without seeing coverage of a poker tournament or instructional show. The media has jumped on the poker band wagon, fueling its popularity.
Poker, particularly Texas Hold-’em style, is broadcast on major networks for example Bravo, ESPN as well as the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel reports that their World Series of Poker shows are among-the highest rated in their lineup.
You’ll find World Championship games, tournaments and even a show where all the players are celebrities (in spite of their poker skills). The shows are hosted by current poker players, many of whom are certainly successful at their profession. The media coverage has turned many of these players into mini celebrities within their own right.
One thing that’s appealing to television viewers is the fact that poker will be relatively easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer initially, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. As a result, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which isn’t to say they are going to do well! A common saying with poker is „5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master”.
A part of the success in drawing interest to poker is the 'hole camera’. The hole camera is a camera lens at every player’s seat that allows the viewer at home to view what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold and can learn from watching what players do. You might even find yourself rooting for somebody to take a certain action, forgetting that they can not see what you can! The hosts of the show will often explain what they expect the players to do, based on what they are seeing from how the other player bets, or reacts to the action. So you may actually pick up quite a few playing tips just by listening to the commentary.
The television popularity of poker has spilled over into other areas besides television. Many casinos who did not offer poker before now hold tournaments. And retail sales of poker related items has surged also. You may go into any large chain bookstore and see dozens of books on poker, whereas five years ago their might have been a handful. The sale of poker chips, home poker tables and also poker home decor has taken off.
The web has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The rise in the number of great online casino gambling casinos has skyrocketed in the last couple of years, with larger businesses such as Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players in the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos give a free version, where you can play poker without actually investing any money.
With the surge in popularity of poker, it is very important to bear in mind it really is gambling and will lead to addiction or even bankruptcy! There appears to be no slow down within the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for some time to come.
