Gone are the days when poker was played in back rooms by a handful of regular players. Now it seems as if you can’t 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 will discover World Championship games, tournaments and even a show where all the players are celebrities (regardless of their poker skills). The shows are hosted by current poker players, many of whom are extremely successful at their profession. The media coverage has turned many of these players into mini celebrities in their own right.

One thing that is appealing to television viewers is the fact that poker will be fairly easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer initially, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. Consequently, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which is just not 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 permits 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 may 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 can be seeing from how another player bets, or reacts to the action. So you can 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 as well. You can go into any large chain bookstore and see dozens of books on poker, whereas five years ago their might are already a handful. The sale of poker chips, home poker tables and even poker home decor has taken off.

The web has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The increase in the number of trusted online gambling agency casinos has skyrocketed within the last number of years, with larger businesses such as Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players within the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos offer a free version, in which you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it is essential to keep in mind it’s gambling and may lead to addiction and even bankruptcy! There appears to be no slow down in the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for quite a while to come.