The Poker Channel, the world’s first TV channel dedicated to poker, is pleased to announce the launch of its new free broadband poker TV channel service at www.pokerchannel.co.uk.
This free-to-air broadband channel will allow a worldwide audience to see the best of the Poker Channel’s current content as well as showcasing online exclusives for featured shows and video updates of major events.
The broadband service differentiates itself from both the channel (Sky Channel 844) and other broadband channels as it runs to its own TV schedule. Online viewers can check the programming schedule up to a month in advance. The service features exclusive world-class tournaments such as the British Poker Open, World Speed Poker Open and the European Poker Championships. Also airing are documentaries such as the ‘Up Close’ series giving an insight into world class pros such as Greg Raymer, Howard Lederer and Chris Ferguson. Viewers will also be able to hone their poker strategy by tuning into the ‘Do it Like’ series and learn how they can play like pros such as Gus Hansen, Devilfish and Tony G.
To kick off the launch, the Poker Channel will be streaming exclusive coverage of the final of the world-famous ‘British Poker Open’ 2006 tournament on Sunday25th June, showing at 3pm and 9pm. See the likes of Devilfish, Gus Hansen, Marcel Luske, Mike Matusow and Noah Boeken battle it out for over £100,000 in prize money in front of a live audience.
The service will also be providing daily coverage from major worldwide poker tournaments, featuring exclusive news podcasts and downloadable video clips.
The channel will be allowing poker-oriented web sites free access to the stream. Josh Thomas, manager of the broadband service at the Poker Channel says: “Not only is this a fantastic affiliate resource – it is a great retention tool for all poker-interest sites. The content is different every day and will keep visitors returning to watch on a daily basis.”
Crispin Nieboer, CEO of the Poker Channel said: “We are delighted to be able to offer international poker fans a professional, high-quality yet free TV service wherever they may be in the world. As consumers seek new ways of accessing programming and broadband penetration soars, the Poker Channel continues to meet its viewers needs, by providing them with multiple outlets to watch their favorite shows.”
For more information and to watch the broadband channel go to www.pokerchannel.co.uk.
Analysts predict that Europe’s share of the global online poker market will almost double over the next 4 years, growing from 16% share in 2005 (worth $15bn) to 30% share by 2009 (worth $77bn). (Source: Christiansen Capital Advisors).