Gone are 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 such as 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.

There are World Championship games, tournaments as well as a show where all of the players are celebrities (in spite 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 is appealing to television viewers is the fact that poker will be easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer in the beginning, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. Therefore, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which isn’t to say they’re going to do well! A common saying with poker is “5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master”.

Included 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 find out what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold and may learn from watching what players do. You may even find yourself rooting for somebody to take a specific action, forgetting that they can not see what you may! The hosts of the show will often explain what they expect the players to do, based upon what they may be seeing from how the additional player bets, or reacts to the action. So you may 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 5 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 net has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The rise in the range of online casinos has skyrocketed within 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 provide a free version, in which you can play online casino poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it is essential to take into account that it really is gambling and can lead to addiction as well as bankruptcy! There appears to be no slow down in the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for quite a while to come.