Why Poker has grown So Much
Author: RoboHarrier Total views: 9 Word Count: 395
Most of us had an image of poker that wasn't too pretty. Smoke filled rooms, with shady people, with cheating almost expected. So, let's see how poker became big business.
Three different events occurred that have created this new world. These three things have combined to change how poker is viewed by the public. It is now big business. Read on to see how this has happened.
Planet poker, in 1998, becomes the first online poker room. Casinos had been online since 1994. With people playing poker in their living room the evolution starts.
We have had poker on television all the way back into the 70's. The coverage was very limited. Small audiences didn't help inspire more coverage.
This would change dramatically, eventually. The second key factor in changing poker is the hole card camera, or "pocket cam". Patented way back in 1994, and was used briefly in Europe in 1997. Once used to it's fullest, this tool revolutionized watching poker on the television.
2002 becomes sort of a stepping stone to the poker explosion. Having picked up the WSOP coverage again, ESPN uses the pocket cam for the first time. Also, the WPT (World Poker Tour) is formed and in 2003 will air the first season of the tour, with the pocket cam.
The use of the pocket cam gets more people watching. The fact that the viewer can see what the players have increases the drama, and exposes the strategies. ESPN decides to show a lot more of the event the following year.
ESPN decides that they will get coverage from every day. They will have pocket cam on the feature table. They also start profiling the players.
With increased coverage the whole world sees Chris Moneymaker fight his way through the field of 839 to win the event. He outplayed many of the best players in the world in the last two tables. But, Chris is just an online player, having earned his $10,000 entry from a $40 satellite event.
This astonishing result has a profound effect on the poker world. This proves that, unlike other sports and games, you can beat the best and be the world champ. The game takes off.
It started with internet poker, the ease and convenience of playing at home. Then the poker cam made watching poker on television exciting. When Chris Moneymaker, wins the biggest tournament in the world, the poker industry booms.
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About the Author
Television has made superstars out of some professional poker players. Phil ivey is the player I enjoy watching the most. His game is versatile and his composure unmatched. Many think he is the best overall poker player in the world. poker bot software
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