ESPN Signs WSOP to Seven Year Deal

Published: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 Online-Casinos.com

The professional side of the game of poker has gone from a late night cigar smoking marathon to a highly entertaining viewer sport televised on mainstream channels. Americans have embraced the pass time like no other as millions sit in front of their TV sets and idolize their poker heros.

Disney's ESPN network is cashing in on this fantasic growth in popularity, with a long term commitment to the World Series of Poker by signing a new seven-year broadcasting deal beginning in 2011,with Harrah's Entertainment after the current deal expires. Despite the obvious interest in everything poker there are still growing pains emerging for the activity. Jeff Gagne, a vice president with MPG North America, a media buying and planning division of France's Havas SA, said, "Advertisers are looking to find a perfect match between what their brands represent and the people they want to embody that for them. If you get into gambling, it's a very slippery slope" adding, "It's kind of like Jerry Springer…It's sort of taboo in the world of endorsements."

ESPN's coverage of the 2008 World Series Of Poker reached 1.13 million viewers, 15% higher than 2007. These are impressive figures that prove the popularity of poker is on the rise. Gagne, commented, "It's popular and attracting a very good quality audience, a very male demographic that's very difficult to reach"Last year 22-year-old Peter Eastgate took the championship at the WSOP, winning $9.15 million USD.

Amnon Filippi, who has made more than $2 million USD playing poker professionally said he has played cards with billionaire CEOs who love the game but won't put their companies' brands in the spotlight. "To Corporate America, poker is like their dirty little secret" said, Filippi. Unlike motor sports and sports leagues, poker does not need much equipment thus limiting potential advertisers.

Yves Darbouze, an interactive e-marketer,said, "There is growth potential there. It's just America has to mature a little more. A lot of things that were taboo in the 1960s aren't taboo any more. Give us another 20 years"