Why Is Poker So Popular

| The Popularity of Poker | |

| The Popularity of Poker | |

Casino Management Hosp 440

February 25, 2013
Authored by: Nicole Roman
Casino Management Hosp 440

February 25, 2013
Authored by: Nicole Roman

Table of Contents Introduction 2 History of Poker 2 Types of Poker 3 5 Card Draw 3 Stud Poker 4 Texas Hold’em 4 The Rise of Texas Hold’em 6 Online Poker Popularity 7 Chris Moneymaker 8 Online vs. Casino Poker 9 Poker Player Demographics 10 Conclusion 10 Works Cited 12

Introduction
“The history of poker is thought to have evolved over more than ten centuries from various games, all involving the basic principles of ranked card or domino combinations and the use of “bluffing” to deceive
This brought considerable media attention to the online poker industry and raised its profile in towards the mass market. Chris Moneymaker is today accepted as the figurehead for having kick started the online poker industry as we know it today (Chris Moneymaker Bio). At only 27 years old Chris found joy in playing poker as a form of entertainment during a time of unemployment. He played live in Tunica 20-40 limit and online on PokerStars. Chris recalls his first win in Tunica for $7K. Chris also entered into a $39 satellite for a second satellite offering a package for the World Series Of Poker 2003. He won both tournaments and was soon packing his bags for Las Vegas. It was there where Chris had outlasted a field of 839 players containing the best players in the world, including some of his idols, to become World Champion at the World Series of Poker 2003. It wasn’t until he came in second at the World Poker Tournament Shooting Star when he realized that he could “do this poker thing full time!” (Chris Moneymaker Bio). And soon an amazing trend began a huge
As it continues to grow in popularity, more and more platforms are becoming available for people to enjoy this wonderful card game of skill and strategy. And even though Poker is a very old game, it has increasingly become popular within the last 15 years or so. The actual cards were the beginning and technology has now paved the way for Poker to continue to be played in our homes, and even on our smartphones. Now that Poker is being seen as a sport with televised coverage of high stakes games, mainly Texas Hold’em, many new players and even amateurs are taking to playing poker professionally. With million dollar tournaments being held almost all the time, players such as Chris Moneymaker has proven that you do not have to be retired or old to play and win. And because of technology, you now do not need to go to the casino in order to play. Anybody has the opportunity to play and the World Series of Poker has been able to tickle the imagination and the interest of viewers all over. The most intriguing fact that regular people from different professions can win the tournament has also added a charm that has been able to grip the masses. So as long as the progression of technology continues to provide different outlets for the game, Poker will live on as the most popularly played card game in