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Poker popularity continues to grow

2006-04-18 12:15:00

The surge in the popularity of playing poker looks set to continue in impressive fashion.

New research from the Poker Pages Industry Index (PPII) has shown a 30 per cent increase in poker players on the internet in the first quarter of 2006.

The poll, which exists to monitor the growth of the online poker industry, also revealed that the total value of buy-ins stood at around $98 million for this period.

Mark Napolitano, Poker Pages founder, said: "The Entrants Index continues to show a strong pattern of growth, showing tournament entries up 15 per cent versus last year at 115.

"Industry growth is also being helped out by a rising average buy-in per entry. The average buy-in per entry index for the quarter is 113, showing a growth of 13 per cent versus the same quarter last year, with an average buy-in of $1,207 per entry."

And over the last year, there was even a 55 per cent increase according to the buy-in index for the same period.

Mr Napolitano also predicted further growth. He said: "Look for the industry to have a strong month in April with the introduction of a new World Poker Tour Event at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, as well as their $25,000 championship event later in the month at the Bellagio in Las Vegas."

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