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

There are actually World Championship games, tournaments and also 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 is appealing to television viewers is that poker can be easy to learn. A lot of the televisions shows have a primer initially, 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 very well! A common saying with poker is «5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master».

Part of the success in drawing interest to poker will be 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 can learn from watching what players do. You may even find yourself rooting for somebody 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, determined by what they can be seeing from how the other 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 as well. You may 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 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 range of excellent online casino gambling site casinos has skyrocketed within the last number of years, with larger businesses for example Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players within the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos give a free version, where you can play poker without actually investing any money.

With the surge in popularity of poker, it is important to keep in mind that it is gambling and can lead to addiction or maybe bankruptcy! There seems to be no slow down within the ratings for shows, so poker will be here for some time to come.