Casino News

Brits get in on poker craze

2007-11-07 12:01:23

More people in the UK are playing poker than ever before, new research has revealed.

Approximately 23 per cent of country have played poker some time this year, with just as many people playing online as opposed to playing at home.

Matt King, an analyst at Mintel - which carried out the research - said that poker has grown in popularity because it is considered a 'cool' form of gambling, adding that "the growing TV coverage has also played a key role."

Examples of television's influence can be seen in the statistics which show that about 50 per cent of those who play poker watch it, while 21 per cent of them admitted that TV made them want to take up the sport.

About 35 per cent of all players, however, said that they only play for fun and no money is involved.

Examples of poker TV shows which have aired in the UK in recent years are Late Night Poker and Celebrity Poker Showdown.