Encouraged by the positive legislative moves on Internet gambling
in the UK, and the very high profile currently enjoyed in a global
sense by the game of poker, SkyTV Channel 226 will launch Poker Zone,
a new poker and casino lifestyle entertainment channel on May 18.
Recent surveys show that Britain is widely perceived as the next biggest
poker market after the USA, with an estimated daily $7 million spent
in online card rooms alone.
The new channel is expected to capture a significant audience of UK
poker enthusiasts and probably a healthy chunk of the extensive advertising
and sponsored events which poker rooms represent in this highly competitive
sector.
Regular programming will include exclusive tournaments, movie nights,
brand new documentaries, classic entertainment series and interactive
gaming options.
Televised poker is also a catalyst in the new nationwide interest
in poker, creating star players through televised tournaments, interviews
and instructional programs featuring the best-televised players in
the world. British poker personalities like The Hendon Mob and Dave
“The Devilfish” Ulliot are becoming household names
and A-list celebrities both in the UK and abroad.
It is understood that Sky has plans for Poker Zone beyond the British
Isles, too as the game's popularity is growing dramatically in Europe.
“Interactive poker is very popular amongst our viewers”
said Jim Sibcy, Managing Director of Pokerzone. “We are
providing a service through one of our shows, ‘Poker Night Live’
that aids the poker boom and gives us a distinct advantage ahead of
our competition. Poker is becoming increasingly available across a
spectrum of UK channels but I can guarantee that pokerzone will provide
the most exciting and up to date coverage available.”
The new program officially launches on both SKY and global broadband
on Wednesday, May 18th.