TV ratings and market surveys reveal that poker might be losing popularity in the United States.

Is Poker Popularity Decreasing?

Despite the enormous amounts of money generated by the poker industry in recent years and the increasing popularity of the game, some shades are beginning to appear in the financial future of the industry. Ratings for poker TV shows are decreasing, and discounts for sets of chips and cards are flooding the market.

In 2004, the popularity of poker rose notably. Casinos in Nevada or New Jersey generated hundreds of millions of dollars, which meant an increase of 45 percent over the year before.

The sales of poker chips have also decreased and major stores are offering big discounts for them. Channels like ESPN, which usually screened poker tournaments and shows, have also seen their ratings fall or in the best cases remain steady.

Shares in many gaming companies have lost high percentages and some investors have not seen their money grow after capitalizing on poker. The lack of major investments in poker in the United States might be due to the fact that internet gambling is still illegal in the country.