Poker On an Amazing Run

by Mike Sexton | Published: Oct 22, 2004

Poker has grown tremendously over the past two years. It has become a phenomenon throughout the country. The big reasons for that growth are television and online poker. And two of the most influential forces in these categories are the World Poker Tour and PartyPoker.com (the world's largest online poker site).

I feel fortunate to have what I consider to be the two best jobs in the poker world – commentator on the World Poker Tour and host for PartyPoker.com. I consider both of these entities to be beneficial to everyone in the poker industry. As they grow and prosper, so does the poker world, because they are leaders in bringing new players into poker.

It's hard to believe that the World Poker Tour has been on the air for only slightly more than 18 months. And look what's happened since: Poker has become accepted as a legitimate competition. Wednesday night, with the WPT on the Travel Channel, is considered "Poker Night" across America. The World Poker Tour has gone public (NASDAQ – WPT Ent), giving it legitimacy in the business world. The WPT will soon be seen in several countries around the world. The WPT has tremendous brand recognition and will be retailing many poker-related items. Poker rooms everywhere are expanding in size. No-limit hold'em is the most popular tournament event everywhere you go. And because of the success of the WPT, numerous spinoff poker shows are in the making.

In addition to the above, other positive things are coming in the near future that will continue to bolster the popularity of poker and the World Poker Tour. They include things such as the development of the Professional Players Tour (PPT) and charity events at WPT venues. The PPT will be a series of tournaments for qualified players that will be sponsored by the WPT, with substantial money ($500,000) being added to each of the prize pools. And because of the ever-increasing popularity of the game, the poker world contributing to charities, and positive TV ratings, you can look for the corporate world to be venturing into poker on a much larger scale.

The growth of online poker also continues to amaze many. I'm often asked, "Do you think online poker will continue to grow?" My answer is this: "I don't think online poker has scratched the surface of its potential."

PartyPoker.com is the industry leader and is very special to me. I was with the site nine months before it launched. It's like a baby you watch being born and grow, and you nurture it to adulthood. I helped with the development of the site, training customer support and creating the initial marketing idea to bring players to the site, a unique event called the PartyPoker.com Million. This tournament (a WPT event), held annually on a luxurious cruise ship, has become legendary in the poker world.

The growth of PartyPoker.com has truly been incredible since its launch slightly more than three years ago. What vaulted the site to the top of the industry was a number of things, including being in the right place at the right time and strong marketing.

Here's an example of their marketing prowess. PartyPoker.com was the first online poker site to advertise on TV, and they did it in a big way. They contacted the Travel Channel to advertise on the World Poker Tour (before anyone knew the show would be a hit). They said they would buy two ads per show (the maximum allowed) for not only every episode of Season 1, but for all of the reruns of Season 1, as well – and would pay cash in advance for them. (And it didn't hurt that I was a commentator on the WPT and was also seen in the PartyPoker.com commercials.) Once the TV ads started, PartyPoker.com quadrupled its business in 30 days, and it hasn't looked back.

Special thanks to the World Poker Tour and PartyPoker.com for all that they do in bringing new players to poker. It's a great time for everyone in the poker industry.

Take care.