March 1, 2010

Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, Minnesota, offers poker players a high-energy experience.

Poker: Still Smokin’
Hot in the Midwest

By Julie Thelen

I recently heard someone speculating that poker was “dying down.” That may be true somewhere, but it certainly doesn’t seem to be the case here in the Midwest. In addition, the experts don’t support a decline in poker’s popularity. In fact, according to www.worldpokertour.com, “With more than 60 million poker players in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide, more people play poker than play golf, billiards, or tennis.”

Poker has a long history. Although the popularity of poker lagged somewhat in the 1990’s, interest in the game has greatly increased since then – especially among younger people and women. Why?

Maybe it’s because poker is a “mental” sport, unlike tennis, golf and other sports that are more physical. This means that anyone can enter a poker game or tournament and have a chance of succeeding. As long as you ante up the tournament entry fee, you can compete against the best. So while poker pros will always exist, there’s a chance that a rising star will come from out of nowhere and win big.

Poker has a long history. Although the popularity of poker lagged somewhat in the 1990’s, interest in the game has greatly increased since then – especially among younger people and women. Why?

Maybe it’s because poker is a “mental” sport, unlike tennis, golf and other sports that are more physical. This means that anyone can enter a poker game or tournament and have a chance of succeeding. As long as you ante up the tournament entry fee, you can compete against the best. So while poker pros will always exist, there’s a chance that a rising star will come from out of nowhere and win big.