Even though poker in Europe is still growing considerably, I guess it is fair to say that worldwide, the growth may have come to an end. Or, better, maybe there is still a little growth, but the hype seems to be somewhat over. For the most part, this is of course the result of the legal problems. If it is not that easy anymore for people to deposit or withdraw money to and from poker sites, or if online satellites for land-based events are not always allowed anymore, the recreational player will often find himself a different pastime - as he doesn't want to be associated with legal problems or even illegal activities.
Online, it is not hard to see that we have (temporarily?) lost many of these recreational players. The fact that the level of online play has gone up so much in recent months seems to be sufficient proof of that. Clearly, if poker wants to continue to grow and expand, one of the first things that it needs to do is to try to create a less hostile atmosphere. Obviously, the main thing here is that governments and legislators should be convinced that poker is not something that is necessarily bad or evil. Only if they start to understand that poker can be a great game to some, and a beautiful pastime to others, can we expect to get these recreational players back.
But I see two other areas where poker can still grow significantly. The first area of development is Asia, in my opinion. Many Asians love poker, yet (because of, again, legal issues) they are not always allowed to play. Also, there is a language barrier that may make it harder for them to successfully enter the American or European poker community. Yet, just looking at the huge potential in China (not just sheer numbers, but also the excellent economic developments there), it would be a waste to let so many potential players stand on the sidelines. Of course, we would need to do an awful lot of lobbying to pull this off - say, the same kind of lobbying that possibly could have prevented the infamous US bill from passing.
The second area for potential growth is a simple one: Women! At every major event, we still have 85 percent or more male entrants, and in the championship events, it may even be closer to 90 percent or 95 percent. Once we get the large group of women truly interested, poker may benefit in more than one way. Not only will it lead to a larger player base, but it is also my genuine belief that the presence of more women in cardrooms will help to create a better, more positive atmosphere at the poker tables. Plus, TV networks will be very happy if they see more women in the final stages of major events - as this will help their ratings, and therefore in time may also benefit the overall popularity of the game.
Card Player Europe has always made it clear that women and poker are an excellent combination. For this reason, we have a special report in this issue on the first-ever
Ladies-Only Dutch Championship. And the lady on the cover is Katja Thater, the woman who has had such a huge impact on the overall growth of German poker. Ladies rule!
