Has Poker Peaked?

Almost every reporter who interviews me wants to know three things: Do I think poker is a fad, has it peaked, and why is it so popular?

No, poker is not just a fad. People have enjoyed playing games, gambling, taking chances, and looking for big returns for generations – and that is not about to change.

No, it has not peaked. Poker is growing at a faster rate this year than any previous year. Of course, because poker has become so mainstream, many people are trying poker lately who will not be players five years from now. Not everybody will find the same fascination with the game that many of us have over the years. But, they are balanced by the many just discovering poker who will get hooked on this wonderful game.

The standard answer for why poker is so popular attributes its popularity to two elements: the emergence of poker on TV – with the cameras showing holecards – and the growth of Internet poker, which makes it accessible, affordable, and easy to find a game.

Both of these factors are certainly true, but the real reasons poker is so popular and why it is not just a passing fancy are: It's fun; for a small investment, people have a chance for a very big win; and the advent of tournament poker.

You see, the real deal is that poker has just the right balance of luck and skill. That is what enables the recreational player to play next to the pro and have a chance to win. On the other hand, there is tremendous skill and learning possible in poker. Before there were tournaments, the pros just got too much of the winnings too often. Tournaments have increased the luck factor of the game, and that is why the amateurs have such fun playing them.

The pros who complain that the luck factor has gotten out of hand just don't get it. There is a reason that tournaments with million-dollar (and more!) prize pools take place 50 times a year now instead of once.

So, what's next? Much more of the same and then the advent of other activities trying to emulate poker. On TV, we will see average people trying to win big prize money by playing blackjack, backgammon, and even dominos tournaments.

People smarter than I will figure out how to add just the right amount of luck so that the average Joe can win, yet the student of the game will have a better shot of winning.

Gambling tournaments are reality TV at its best. Whatever works is fine with us. We'll be there to help you win that million dollars via some type of freeroll.