Helping Poker boom!

Poker is on the rise in Italy. See why the European Poker Tour has Poker Pro Luca Pagano to thank for its success and poker business knowledge.

PokerStars second ever European Poker Tour (EPT) is celebrating unrivalled success this year, and it is without a doubt that much of it can be accredited to the tour’s distinct host, Luca Pagano. PokerStars Pro and EPT player himself, Pagano is the host of the San Remo section of the tournament.

The EPT managed to attract 701 players in 2008, yet this year the number has reached an incredible 1,200 players – 400 more than what was expected. Pagano is personally very proud of these numbers, having only hoped to match last year’s turnout. On the other hand he claims that due to the fact that extra people had to be turned away, the tournament has much bigger potential.

Pagano explained that much of the tour’s success is result of the poker boom currently taking place in Italy, following the recent regulation of online poker. PokerStars was one of the first online poker rooms to receive a license from the Amministrazione Autonome dej Monopoli di Stato, and has seen many new Italian players eager to get involved.

Pagano has indeed played a significant role in the advertising of PokerStars new Italian website, explicating that he consults on all business and business strategy-related matters. With a background in computer programming, Pagano also outlined that the keys to a successful online poker room are having a reputable operator and being televised.

The poker star is also using his newfound career in order to promote certain humanitarian aims important to him. He is the co-founder of Poker charity program, PokerforLife, which encourages players to donate 1% of their winnings to a selection of causes, such as human aid for Africans. Yet with last month’s unexpected earthquakes rocking Italy, Pagano has taken his business home and is currently trying to raise funds for the city's reestablishment.

As part of the efforts, both PokerforLife and PokerStars will hold a tournament on April 20th t raise funds. It will take place at Casino San Remo and will cost €1,200 - €200 of which going directly to the earthquake appeal of the Red Cross. PokerStars has also promised to pledge €300 for every player in participation.

It is Pagano’s view that charity through poker can benefit everyone. He will leave his hosting role on Day one in San Remo to play for his own pot at the EPT.