Onwards and Upwards for Poker

Attendance on the increase in 2009 in both the on-line and off sectors

It may have been the year that the economy took a turn for the worse but it seems it hasn't affected the overall continued success of World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Attendance at the major tour events rose this year, and the event can boast an overall increase in attendance of 4.5% compared with 2008. However, one key area seems to have suffered an uncharacteristic drop in the attendance ratings: the large buy-ins. Perhaps it will not be a surprise to many that in the year that saw serious worry about the economy, attendance at the $10,000 buy-in events fell this year by approximately 13%. The Main Event didn't escape this down-turn either, and suffered a smaller drop of around 5%.

The World Poker Tour in America suffered a slight drop in attendance, but in Europe, the EPT events boasted a whopping 18% increase in attendance, showing growth that will hopefully continue on 2010.

Perhaps the real winner in 2009 was on-line gaming, with more people playing than ever before. All the statistics point to it being a record year for the on-line industry. First time players are logging on in droves and more seasoned players are gaining the experience they need on the tables before moving onto the bigger events. With the game more popular than ever before it seems that all the signs point to a yet another successful year in 2010 for online poker.

Such positive growth in most areas is a great indicator of the year ahead for Poker, both offline and on. As the economy continues to recover, more people will continue to enjoy the highs and lows of the game.