Below we've summarized the most important poker news stories of 2004. All news items are available through the monthly news archives.
Bluff Magazine grows explosively
December 31, 2004 - The latest evidence of pokers continuing surge in popularity can be seen in the immediate and continuing success of recently launched Bluff Magazine, a print publication based in Atlanta GA.
World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP)
November 26, 2004 - Another expensive land-based poker tournament for online operators to sponsor players was announced this week.
Sportingbet acquires Paradise Poker
October 30, 2004 - Sportingbet Plc (LSE: SBT.L), the worlds largest publicly traded online betting, gambling and gaming company, announces the acquisition of , a leader in the fast-growing online poker sector, creating the first global online poker, sports betting and casino operator. The deal brings Sportingbets customer base to more than two million players and provides a popular online poker product to serve the rapidly growing online poker market in the United States and worldwide. ParadisePoker.com is the worlds third largest online poker operator with a market share of approximately 10 percent.
Gus Hanson's Poker Champs launched
October 30, 2004 - is looking cool and is set to launch tomorrow after running in Beta for a while. It looks as if a lot of thought has gone into this site, which is hosted by three times WPT winner Gus Hanson and powered by some pretty impressive proprietary software.
Doyle Brunson endorses new poker room
October 5, 2004 - In an exclusive agreement with poker legend Doyle Brunson, Blue Rock announces the launch of www.DoylesRoom.com. The agreement further provides for the exclusive distribution of Super/System 2 - A Course in Power Poker, the much-anticipated sequel to the milestone book, which is regarded as the premier text on poker strategy. Super/System 2 is only available through DoylesRoom.com.
eCOGRA seal for online poker rooms
September 29, 2004 - On the back of a boom in online poker top quality poker rooms and networks will now be able to demonstrate their adherence to best practices by undergoing a rigorous independent assessment designed to give more protection to the player and improved efficiencies to operators.
Party Poker plans flotation on London Stock Exchange
September 17, 2004 - In the UK, The Times reported this week that PartyGaming, market leader in the lucrative world of online poker, is believed to be planning to float on the London Stock Exchange.
World Poker Tour starts casino & poker room
September 10, 2004 - A major move into online gambling by World Poker Tour has just been announced - the organization is to open an online casino and poker site powered by Wagerworks.
BoDog Poker room launched
September 3, 2004 - In previous reports we noted the development of a poker room using MicroPower software by Bodog.com, and this week the high profile sportsbook and casino launched the new venture.
World Poker Tour Enterprises goes public
August 13, 2004 - The poker bandwagon rolled into town this week with a successful public offering by World Poker Tour.
The Poker Pundit died
July 9, 2004 - Shock news of the week from the Detroit Free Press is that Andy Glazer died suddenly on July 4th, apparently as a result of a blood clot to the brain. As we went to press arrangements were in hand for a funeral on Thursday, July 8 at the New Montifiore Cemetary in West Babylon, Long Island, New York.
Greg Raymer wins 2004 WSOP
May 29, 2004 - The 2004 World Series of Poker first prize of $5 million dollars was won yesterday by Greg Raymer, a 39 year old corporate patent attorney from Stonington, Connecticut. The 2004 World Series of Poker was hosted for the first time by Harrahs Entertainment, Inc., which purchased the rights to the tournament earlier this year.
Betfair Poker.com launched by the Sporting Exchange
May 13, 2004 - The Sporting Exchange, the company behind Betfair, the worlds largest betting exchange, today launched its new internet poker site Betfair Poker.com. The site features No Limit/Pot Limit games and multi-table tournaments amongst other games, resulting in an entertaining and secure gaming experience for players.
Ladbrokes reports sharp rise in poker popularity
January 9, 2004 - UK press The Guardian reported this week on a Ladbrokes survey of the online poker phenomenon