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 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 and also a show where all of the players are celebrities (regardless 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 in their own right.

One thing that is appealing to television viewers is that poker is fairly easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer to start with, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. As a result, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which isn’t to say they’re going to do very well! A common saying with poker is “5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master”.

Involved in the success in drawing interest to poker will be the ‘hole camera’. The hole camera is a camera lens at every player’s seat which permits the viewer at home to find out what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold as well as can learn from watching what players do. You could even find yourself rooting for somebody to take a particular 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 on what they are seeing from how the additional player bets, or reacts to the action. So you can actually pick up quite several 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 also. You may go into any large chain bookstore and find out dozens of books on poker, whereas 5 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 rise in the range of online casinos has skyrocketed in the last few years, with larger businesses such as Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players within the live televised tournaments. Many good online casino casinos give a free version, where you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it’s important to take into account that it’s gambling and may lead to addiction or perhaps bankruptcy! There seems to be no slow down in the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for many years to come.