Gone will be the days when poker was played in back rooms by a handful of regular players. Now it seems 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 and the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel reports that their World Series of Poker shows are among-the highest rated in their lineup.

You will find World Championship games, tournaments and also 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 certainly 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 relatively easy to learn. A lot of the televisions shows have a primer in the early stages, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. Therefore, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which is just not to say they will do well! A common saying with poker is “5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master”.

Involved in 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 determine what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold and may also learn from watching what players do. You could even find yourself rooting for someone to take a particular 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 can be seeing from how the other player bets, or reacts to the action. So you can 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 find out dozens of books on poker, whereas five years ago their might are already a handful. The sale of poker chips, home poker tables and also poker home decor has taken off.

The internet has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The increase in the range of excellent casino online casinos has skyrocketed in 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 give a free version, in which you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it is necessary to take into account that it’s gambling and may also lead to addiction or maybe bankruptcy! There seems to be no slow down within the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for a long period to come.