TV Gambling - A Growing Market?
While to those with little or no interest in casino games such as poker, the thought of watching a live poker competition may not have the desired effect. However, put this opportunity in front of a poker player and you will see a whole different approach - the chance to watch and learn!
The explosion in poker’s popularity has come at the same time as a major increase in the number of satellite TV channels covering live poker competitions. So which came first?
It seems that while there needed to be an increasing interest in the poker industry to make it worthwhile, the reduced costs of producing TV programs as well as the competitive pricing for those offering TV channels created an interesting opportunity. The increased coverage of the sport has also resulted in a massive increase in tournament win pots, with figures well into the millions of dollars now common place.
Interestingly, the last few years have seen the emergence of many new poker experts from different areas of the world and society. It seems that the internet has released a lot of talent, which had until recently been well hidden. Sponsorships, advertising deals and the like have opened the poker competitions to the masses, with many players going on to make a full time living and gain “superstar” status in the industry.
The number of televised poker tournaments is set to increase in the future, with many of the big casinos and gambling houses keen to put forward large sponsorship deals. As well as sponsorship deals, we are set to see a new advertising code introduced in the UK, allowing casinos to advertise in the popular press. Many expect this change of policy by the authorities to create another boom in the industry - possibly something to make up for the current troubles in the us.