Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006

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WPT Enterprises issues feel good message about future of U.S. poker

By Lianne Elias

World Poker Tour Enterprises, Inc. (WPTE) issued a statement about the future of poker in the United States yesterday, spreading a positive message of continued growth despite the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in the U.S. Congress Sept. 30.

WPTE, which credits itself for having helped launch the global online poker industry, is urging players to "focus on the bright future ahead" by moving on from this law with renewed faith in the opportunities proffered in the land-based poker community.

"It was a wide-spread love of this game and the reinvention of poker as a televised sport that ignited the poker phenomenon," said Steve Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPTE.

"And, that is what will continue to drive the future of the sport. WPTE remains committed to growing the domestic poker market through traditional franchise opportunities like consumer products, sponsorship and events."

The company goes on to point out than an estimated 50 million Americans play poker on a regular basis, and that casinos across the country are constantly expanding existing poker venues and opening new ones.

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