Although poker was initially introduced in the 1970s in the United States, it became popular in the early 2000s. This period was called the “Poker Boom” between 2003 and 2006. Initially, poker was only played in casinos or with friends at home, and the winning pot had little to play for.
However, it grew in popularity, and the “poker boom” hype attracted many players, resulting in the abrupt rise around the 2000s. Below are some of the main reasons why it became so popular:
Introduction to Online Poker
The introduction of online poker sites increased the number of players. These poker sites, like PokerStars and Full Tilt, allowed players to play from the comfort of their homes. The sites were free and were not discriminatory of color, origin, or gender, as casinos were.
Advantages of online poker
Online poker websites are available and have greatly improved to ensure easy and enjoyable play. You can play poker for free on the best poker sites in Canada, whether as a beginner or an expert, thanks to easy video tutorials where you can learn all the basics of poker. You may even receive a free virtual account to train and become a master.
In addition to tutorials, you will receive a welcome bonus, free spins, easy transactions, and an increased win percentage. Visit the website, choose a site of your liking, and start playing. All the sites indicated are mobile optimizable, trustworthy, and offer a variety of other games.
Media Coverage
Poker in the 2000s gained more attention from the media, with some television channels covering live tournaments of the World Series of Poker. The tournaments had a grand jackpot worth millions and were open to all players.
Just like traditional sports, these televised tournaments involved commentators. Most popular announcers, like Vince Van Patten and Mike Sexton, helped recruit many players through their commentary, helping narrate gameplays and moves made by players.
The Movie ‘Rounders’
Poker’s introduction in movies like Rounders (1998) contributed so much to poker’s popularity as we know it today. A rounder is an individual who travels to play poker.
Considering its impact in the poker boom era, the film is an honorable mention. Actors; Matt Damon and Ed Norton star as poker players; the movie starts on a roll, Damon losing his entire $30 thousand bankroll in an underground poker game.
Interestingly, the movie did not do well at the box office, but its popularity in the poker universe kept increasing. Its plot is rich regarding the risks involved, showcasing the sport’s good and dark sides.
Among the stories explored is the character of Ed Norton star engaging in cheating. He also steals from Matt Damon’s persona, using his credit in a game he loses. The latter ends up playing to help his friend pay off the debt.
The Moneymaker Effect
All the hype surrounding poker in the 2000s revolved around Chris Moneymaker. He was an amateur who won the 2003 WSOP main event after entering the competition with 86 dollars via an online satellite tournament.
He made people believe they could all be winners, an effect that still has a lot to play in modern gambling. Additionally, his influence made online wagering more popular, as witnessed today. He is still in the scenes, participating in poker events around Europe and America.
Celebrity Involvement
It’s no shock that celebrities were involved in the poker boom period, as they had massive followers or were at least famous. Stars like Ben Affleck, who even competed at the WSOP, and the “Poker Brat Pack” of Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon also contributed to the hype behind poker.
Some female celebrities, like Shannon Elizabeth, Victoria Coren Mitchell, and Jennifer Tilly, are poker experts. They are an example of how the sport is an all-around game, advertising it and recruiting female players who envied them. Jennifer Tilly has once earned over $1 million in high-risk games.
Conclusion
As we know it today, poker couldn’t be as popular if it weren’t for the above reasons. The introduction of poker in movies, tournaments, and online sites created awareness among people who had no idea poker existed. However, each state and country has its poker regulations, including the legal age when it comes to live poker.
Shubham Kansal is a bit addicted to the latest happening in the political and sports world. He loves to watch anime & manga, suspense, and Horror web series. He used to search and writes about the latest political, sports, and popular celebrity biography.