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. visit the following page 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 and also the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel reports that their World Series of Poker shows are among-the highest rated within their lineup.

There are World Championship games, tournaments as well as a show where all the players are celebrities (irrespective of their poker skills). The shows are hosted by current poker players, many of whom are very successful at their profession. The media coverage has turned many of these players into mini celebrities within their own right.

One thing that is appealing to television viewers is the fact that poker will be easy to learn. A lot of the televisions shows have a primer in the beginning, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. So, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which is not 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 enables the viewer at home to determine what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold and can also learn from watching what players do. You could even find yourself rooting for someone to take a certain action, forgetting that they cannot see what you may! The hosts of the show will often explain what they expect the players to do, based upon what they’re seeing from how the additional player bets, or reacts to the action. So you may actually pick up quite a couple of 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 as well. You can 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 as well as poker home decor has taken off.

The net has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The rise in the number of online casinos has skyrocketed within the last few years, with larger businesses for example Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players in the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos provide a free version, in which you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it’s important to understand that it really is gambling and can lead to addiction or maybe bankruptcy! There seems to be no slow down within the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for some time to come.