Poker - Popularity Explosion
By Michael Russell

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 can go into any large chain bookstore and see dozens of books on poker, whereas five years ago their might have been a handful. The sale of poker chips, home poker tables and even poker home decor has taken off.

The internet has also taken a slice out of the poker pie. The increase in the number of online casinos has skyrocketed in the last few years, with larger businesses such as Party Poker or Ultimate Bet actually sponsoring players in the live televised tournaments. Many online casinos offer a free version, where you can play poker without actually investing any money.

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

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