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The "Poker boom" that the world is currently experiencing has in no small amount, been helped by the presence of the World Poker Tour, Inc. The company has pushed poker to new heights with its poker programming and continued dedication to the emerging industry. As such, the poker community as a whole has waited with anticipation as to the response that the WPT, Inc. would issue regarding the anti-poker legislation that congress passed this last weekend entitled the "Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006." That statement was that nothing will change. The WPT, Inc. will continue to push forward in this emerging marketplace and encourages all fans of the game to do the same. They are adamant there is a bright future for poker and its players. The company is determined to contribute to that future. Adam Pliska, General Counsel of WPT, Inc. said "The Justice Department has been very clear that it believes online gaming to be illegal in the United States and our policies have always been tailored accordingly…This law clarifies the rules and makes it possible for everyone to move forward on an even footing." There are thought to be over 50 Million Americans that are poker players in some form. There are more than 100 million players worldwide as well. Before the "poker boom," many brick and mortar casinos were closing their poker rooms due to lack of interest. Nowadays, locations such as the Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Connecticut are adding poker facilities, as is the Borgata in Atlantic City, which added an 85 table room to their casino recently. Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of the WPTE said "It was a wide-spread love of this game and the reinvention of poker as a televised sport that ignited the poker phenomenon…And, that is what will continue to drive the future of the sport. WPTE remains committed to growing the domestic poker market through traditional franchise opportunities like consumer products, sponsorship and events."
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