Gone will be the days when poker was played in back rooms by a handful of regular players. Now it seems as if you can not 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 also the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel reports that their World Series of Poker shows are among-the highest rated within their lineup.

You will discover World Championship games, tournaments as well as a show where all of 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 in their own right.

One thing that’s appealing to television viewers is that poker will be relatively easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer at 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 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 division 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 view 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 specific action, forgetting that they can’t see what you may! The hosts of the show will often explain what they expect the players to do, based on what they’re seeing from how another player bets, or reacts to the action. So you can actually pick up quite a number 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 may go into any large chain bookstore and find out lots of books on poker, whereas five years ago their might are already 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 increase in the number of online casinos has skyrocketed in the last few years, with larger businesses such as Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players in the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos provide a free version, the place you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s gambling and may also lead to addiction as well as bankruptcy! There seems to be no slow down in the ratings for shows, trusted quality casino so poker will be here for a long period to come.