Poker's new upsurge in popularity in is due to televised
showings of championship poker tournaments, such as The World
Poker Tour and The World Series of Poker. This has resulted in
millions of people all over the world playing either online or
at land based casinos. Even movie stars and professional
athletes are getting into tournament action. This really became
evident when actor Ben Affleck won $356,400 and a tournament
title at Commerce Casino's California State Poker Championship
in June 2004.

And big business likes poker too. Bear Stearns estimated that
annual revenue from poker was $4.5 billion in 2003. Another
analyst group feels 2005 revenue will exceed $10 billion.
PokerPulse.com stated that $117,116,301.00 was wagered at online
poker rooms in a 24 hour period on August 25, 2004.