Coverage and Evolution/History of Poker

[Hu$tler]

Just simply amazing how far it's come.




The above is 1999 WSOP ME, right before the turn of the century. There was 393 players in the ME.

Fast forward to 2013 and there was over 6000.

Amazing looking at them smoking, no cameras on the cards, little amount of money (in comparison of course), Daniel Negreanu and Gus Hansen with hair!!

So far can it go? What are the limits? What's next in terms of coverage and access to the game?

 

[ashley12]

The fact that there were 8000 in 2006, and since then the numbers have generally regressed is a sign that poker growth has likely peaked in what it can achieve without legislation in the US.

Depending on how that happens, and how easy it is for Americans to get funds online will dictate where poker goes over the next 15 years.

 

[Happy Daze]

Oh, for a time machine.

 

[cynical]

poker peaked long ago

it's on a steady decline, blame governments especially the US

when every man and his dog could win online satellites to big live tourneys you get huge numbers

 

[Goodo73]

Let's remember that Nevada now has real-money online poker (via Ultimate Poker & WSOP), with New Jersey to follow in November. Admittedly two states won't necessarily turn things around on their own, but it is a start towards Americans being able to play online in the US again.

 

[Goodo73]

For those who remember 'books', I can recommend Big Deal and Bigger Deal, by Anthony Holden. The former is an account of a year he spent as a poker pro (in 1988). The latter sees him on the tourney circuit in 2005-06, and in it he chronicles the changes he's observed in the game.

If you want a history of poker, try Cowboys Full, by James McManus (who also wrote the excellent Positively Fifth Street).

 

[Goodo73]

By the way, love TJ Cloutier's perm!

 

[red+black]

heck da UIGEA