Industry commentators agree that the modern phenomenon of online poker really took off in 2004. Up until that date the conventional game had managed to make use of the internet and software developments which allowed poker sites to start to expand online, but it was the phenomenal win of Chris Moneymaker in the World Series of Poker in 2003, when he successfully pocketed $2.5 million, that attracted so many people to the game. The early online sites also used televised World Series’ games to promote their sites. Moneymaker’s success, which later became known as the ‘Moneymaker Effect,’ was so unique as he was the first player to qualify online for a place at the Live tournament. His story rapidly gained popularity as he only started with a humble $40 buy in.
Obviously, the ‘Moneymaker Effect’ contributed to the phenomenon of online poker. Players, who previously wouldn’t have considered playing with unknown challengers in distant parts of the globe realised that serious money could be won through the game and the modern explosion, which takes advantage of differing international timelines and enhanced security with modern software, really started to boom.
Some online sites claim to serve over 120 countries in over 15 different languages. Other online sites have expanded so that they now have their own satellite TV stations in conjunction with major international carriers. The United States alone is estimated to make up 60% of the online poker market, though rules and regulations for US based sites have changed due to congressional legislation. A lot of the online sites are now registered ‘offshore’ Malta, the Isle of Man and the Caribbean all host sites for online poker.
