Online poker is big hit - but 35% don't put money on it

NEARLY a quarter of internet users in Britain have logged on to gaming sites to play poker in the past 12 months, according to a new report. But many are too unsure of the rules to play with real money.

The game is proving a popular pastime, largely as a result of its higher profile on television.

A survey by market analyst Mintel revealed 23 per cent of 3,822 people questioned had played poker in the past year. Most seem to participate infrequently, with only 7 per cent playing daily and 14 per cent at least once a week.

Half of those surveyed had watched the game on television, with a fifth citing TV coverage as the reason they decided to play. The amount of poker shown on TV has risen dramatically in recent years, from 13 hours in 2001 to nearly 540 hours last year.

Matt King, Mintel's senior leisure analyst, said poker was seen as one of the most "cool" forms of gambling.

He said: "The popularity of poker has soared in recent years as the game undoubtedly has an element of cool lacking from many other forms of gambling.

"The growing television coverage has also played a key role."

Some 35 per cent of the poker players surveyed took part just for the fun of it, without gambling any money, according to the Mintel report.

Mr King said that statistics suggested many newcomers to the game were still unsure of the rules and strategies involved.

He went on: "For the industry, it is clearly not ideal that so many players do not play for real money. But it does highlight that people do still feel intimidated by the game and that potential gamers are reluctant to dive straight in without having a chance to figure out the basics first.

"But once they have got a grasp on the game, they are then more likely to put their money where their mouth is."

The report states that the full implementation of the 2005 Gambling Act has presented the poker industry with several opportunities for continuing growth, such as permitting casinos and online gambling websites to advertise in the UK, and allowing poker to be played in pubs. So, with more people playing the game, the industry could be in rude health should more competitors decide to play for money.

Online poker is now as popular as playing at home with friends, according to the survey, which found both activities attracted 14 per cent of the players questioned.

Despite the increasing number of internet gaming sites, some of which boast prizes worth millions of pounds, that is not seen as the best way in which to play the game; the research found 34 per cent of players thought live games were more exciting than online ones.

"It is interesting to see that live games are just as popular as online ones, considering that getting people round to play is more of an effort than just switching on the laptop," Mr King said.

"It would appear that the extra excitement and the social side of the game is still an important aspect for many players."

Mintel's poker report draws on a survey of thousands of internet users aged 18 and over.

Well known Scots celebrities who enjoy the game include Stephen Hendry, the former world snooker champion, and Greg Hemphill, the comedian and co-creator of the Chewin' the Fat series.

• BILLY Coventry would never go so far as to describe himself as a high roller, but he is among the growing number of people taking to poker tables, real and virtual.

Like many of the thousands of people surveyed by Mintel, Mr Coventry, 21, became attracted to the game thanks to its increasing television coverage.

At the time he was a student at Edinburgh University. With free time on his hands, he watched the late-night broadcasts, admiring the flamboyant performers and listening to the in-depth commentary. He vowed to learn the game, and about 18 months ago he and a group of friends began meeting up for small games. With the stakes kept modest, it was as much a social occasion as it was an opportunity to win money.

"It's entertaining playing it face-to-face," Mr Coventry said. "You can have as much fun as you would on an ordinary social night out, for less money."

As his knowledge grew, he began venturing online, where "there's always a table for you". Sometimes he played for free, other times he set himself limits, winning and losing money in equal measure. "I think I'm in the black," Mr Coventry said. "The key is, if you're playing poorly, don't chase your losses, just quit.

"It's a workout for the brain and it's good fun."

Scotsman

News Added: 07 November, 2007

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