August 6 - The World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc, the parent company of the World
Poker Tour (WPT), has signed an agreement with China Leisure Sports
Administrative Center to host a series of future poker tournaments in the Asian
country.
As poker continues to grow in popularity around the world, China is no different
as World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc. executives have speculated that with a
little marketing, poker and large poker tournaments could become the next big
thing in China.
Said a World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc spokesperson, 'Our partnership with
China Leisure Sports Administrative Center is designed to promote the game of
poker in China, by helping to create widespread interest for China's first ever
national poker competition.'
While World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc is 'playing its cards close to its chest'
regarding the specific details of any future Chinese poker tournaments, what is
known is that the agreement between the two entities is valid for at least the
next five years.
However, the World Poker Tour has its work cut out for it to change perceptions
of poker in the country as currently the Chinese government categorizes gambling
as a 'criminal activity' and anti-social, putting it on the same level as
prostitution and drug abuse.
