Microsoft Xbox Set To Bring Poker To The Masses

11.5.2007 | 3:47 pm | Poker, Poker Stars

In a move which has the potential to greatly increase the current world wide Poker playing audience, Microsoft has signed up with TV Company ESPN to bring on demand TV to the Xbox.  While the ESPN connection will open up a whole new world to Xbox subscribers, it will specifically bring Poker to the masses in the shape of the World Series of Poker.  So how will the online Poker market develop through this venture?

While Poker is in a recovery stage after the shock of online gambling being banned in the US, the fact that the World Series of Poker will now be marketed directly to gamers throughout the world not only has the potential to assist in promoting online Poker sites, but also Poker games for consoles such as the Xbox.  When you consider the millions of Xbox consoles sold since the machine was first introduced, this represents a great opportunity for the Poker industry to shine.

The gaming consumers have always showed an interest in games such as Poker, and the fact that access to the professional tournaments will soon be at their fingertips is enthralling.  These are consumers who have a genuine interest in challenging game play, and it does not come any more challenging than Poker!

While no other formal deals have been announced, the fact that this agreement is not exclusive opens the door for an array of similar agreements for the Poker industry.  It may well be that the online gamer sector is ready to cover some of the void left by US gamers, but time will tell how quickly this will expand.  This also gives the World Series of Poker an interesting head start towards the inevitable TV on the internet which is growing ever closer. 

Promoting to a ready made market is not difficult, and is sure to see an increase in Poker interest among a new group of consumers.  We are sure to see record viewing figures for the next World Series of Poker, and the headlines which will go with this……