World Poker Tour Frequently Asked Questions
The World Poker Tour is the name on everyones lips, and is responsible for the explosion of the poker world. A list of the most frequently asked questions follows:
What Is The World Poker Tour (WPT)?
The World Poker Tour is a weekly televised series of thirteen poker tournaments that are united under one banner for television.
How many people play poker?
With more than 50 million poker players in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide, more people play poker than play golf, billiards, or tennis.
Who Can Enter WPT Tournaments?
Anyone can enter. Part of the appeal of poker is that as long as you ante up the tournament entry fee, you can compete against the best. You don't have to be a pro, unlike other professional sports.
What Are Satellite Tournaments?
Satellite tournaments give players an opportunity to earn entry into an event by winning a preliminary tournament with a smaller buy-in.
What Tournaments Are Participating in the WPT?
WPT tournaments include: Aviation Club de France, Paris, France; The Bicycle Casino, Los Angeles, CA; Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ; Ultimatebet, Aruba; Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT; Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV; PokerStars, Caribbean Adventure; Horseshoe Casino/Gold Strike Casino, Tunica, MS; Commerce Casino, Commerce, Los Angeles, CA; WPT Invitational (pro-celebrity event) hosted by Commerce Casino, Commerce, Los Angeles, CA; Bay 101, San Francisco, CA; PartyPoker, Cruise to Mexico; Reno Hilton, Reno, NV; WPT Championship hosted by Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV. Update: more tournaments have been added, please check the schedule for a complete listing.
What Is Texas Hold'em?
Texas Hold'em is the most popular variety of poker played today. Players receive two cards face down, followed by a round of betting. The best hand to hold at this point is two aces. After the first of four rounds of betting, three cards are "flopped" face up in the middle of the table and are used as community cards, meaning that every player can use the cards in the middle, as well as their hole cards, to make a hand. After the second round of betting, the fourth card (called the "turn") is placed face up in the middle. After the third round of betting, the fifth card and final card (called the "river") is placed face up in the middle. Then the fourth, and final, round of betting occurs. With all the cards out, each player tries to make his or her best five-card poker hand using the five community cards and the two cards in his or her hand.
What Is Meant by No Limit?
No limit means that a player can bet as many chips as he has at any point in the game. This varies from "limit" or structured games, in which a player must bet amounts according to a pre-determined structure.
How Is the WPT Different From Other Poker Tournaments That Have Been on Television Before?
Poker tournaments have been televised in the past with much success. What makes the WPT different is that it will film the most prestigious tournaments in an arena specifically designed for television and air them during a regularly scheduled season. The technology that allows viewers to see hole cards, combined with expert commentary, and a live audience, will give poker the feel of a mainstream sporting event.
What is a Poker "Tournament" and How Does it Differ From a Regular Poker "Game?"
In a poker tournament, each player pays an entry fee and receives the same number of chips. Once he loses his chips, he is eliminated from the tournament. As opposed to a regular poker game, a player cannot cash in his chips during the tournament. The prizes are paid according to who keeps his chips the longest, and the winning player, of course, will end up with all the chips at the end. First place typically earns about a third of the prize pool and the rest of the purse is divided between the other players who make the final table or finish within the top 20 to 30 places.
When Will the Tournaments Appear on Television?
The World Poker Tour premieres on Travel Channel Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 7pm ET/PT and continue every Wednesday night at 9pm ET/PT beginning April 2, 2003. The series culminates with a $25,000 buy-in championship on June 25, 2003.
How Were Tournaments Selected to be A Part of the WPT?
The thirteen tournaments were selected based on prestige, prize money, geography, and visual appeal to create an upscale, international image for poker.
What Is the WPT's Relationship With Lakes Entertainment, Inc?
The WPT is a joint venture between World Poker Tour CEO, Steven Lipscomb, an award-winning television creator and filmmaker, and Lakes Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded Minnesota-based company whose founder and CEO, Lyle Berman, is both a "Hall of Fame" poker player and a successful businessman.
How Will Television Viewers Be Able to See a Player's Hole Cards?
The World Poker Tour uses state-of-the-art technology and on-air graphics to let the TV viewer know what cards a player is holding. This adds a dramatic element to the game because television viewers will know what each player will have and thus be able to get inside the mind of a professional poker player. When a player moves "all-in" for example, the viewer will know whether or not he is bluffing.
Where can I go if I, or someone I know, has a gambling problem?
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for confidential help, or visit www.ncpgambling.org for more information.
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