Poker Tourney Attendance Up Despite Economic Woes
It comes as no surprise to many economic analysts that even during hard times in the global economy, there is still a sound and stable market for video poker and other casino based games of chance. The fact is, say analysts, there are specific industries around the world that tend to be far more recession proof than any others and among these are cinema, jewelry and entertainment such as poker. A large part of the reason for this is the fact or escapism to help people balance their emotions, but the other aspect is, of course, the chance to win cash – a lure that rarely loses its luster. The latest so called double dip recession has put countries such as the United States down in the economic sense and also the United Kingdom and many other parts of Europe, but despite this, big name poker events like the World Series of Poker have managed to do quite well and keep a strong level of attendance and beyond that – a steady core audience following the events.
Even in the most expensive games at the Series, players had no problem getting involved, making the high stakes games in 2010 much larger than in recent years. Europe was feared to have a lot lower attendance due to the economic woes there, particularly in regards to the value of the euro, but it does appear that things are working out much better. Traditionally, the event has used the currency market as a way to gauge attendance and in this 41st year of the annual Series, 57 tournaments will be played so far at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.