Littlewoods Poker Blog

This year could well prove to be the one when a number of changes arise in the world of online poker, an expert has predicted.

Poker pro Mike Sexton told Pokerheadline.com that the game will emerge from its so-called grey area and become more mainstream.

This will occur as legislation comes into force to make it easier for people to head online and play, although whether this occurs on a national or state level is yet to be seen.

Outside the US, Sexton believes that the poker industry will flourish on an international scale, mainly because of the wide audience TV programming can target.

As online poker is accepted throughout the world, the US may eventually follow suit, he told the website.

Gambling911.com recently acknowledged that a number of online poker sites are starting to spring up throughout the country, with many of them charging monthly membership fees.

Annie Duke has cemented her place in history by becoming the first woman to win the National Heads-Up Poker Championship.

She was one of 64 players and beat off competition from Vanessa Rousso to scoop this year’s title.

Duke was gracious in her victory and praised her fellow finalist for the poker skills she had imparted throughout the course of the tournament.

She told ESPN: "She does some amazing things. Vanessa had one of the best years in poker last year and there’s not many players that can be on the same level as her."

As a result of her victory, Duke hopes that more women will take up poker and continue to fly the flag for female participation.

She is a well-known TV personality in the US, appearing on hit shows such as the Celebrity Apprentice.

Building on her love of poker, the personality has also released a number of books including Annie Duke’s Beginner’s Guide To Texas Hold ‘em.

The European Poker Tour international tournament came to a dramatic halt this weekend following a gang raid.

It is estimated that the masked intruders made off with around €250,000 (£225,000) after storming into the poker games in Berlin.

CCTV cameras at the event have captures clear images of the men and a reward is now being offered to anyone who may have relevant information relating to the raid.

It occurred at the city’s Grand Hyatt, a five-star luxury hotel, which had attracted celebrity players such as tennis star Boris Becker.

The sports icon, however, is believed to have been eliminated from the poker game before the heist took place.

Play resumed the following day, although this time with a police presence.

It was recently suggested that poker could become an official Olympic event, as it has been recognised as a game of skill and not of chance.

Poker players could soon find themselves competing at the Olympics, as reports suggest it is being considered as an official sport.

It has already been announced that the International Federation of Poker will be accepted into the International Mind Sports Association next month, which the industry believes is a positive step.

A number of Olympic sports are already included for the mental capabilities they require, which the poker industry has taken as a sign that it may be in with a chance.

Speaking to More Than Games, Rich Muny, a board member for the Poker Players Alliance, said: "I am encouraged that the IOC [International Olympic Committee] has recognised what we poker players have always known. Poker is an honorable game of skill."

He added that poker is different from many other games because it requires skill rather than just chance.

There are currently 33 sports which are recognised by the IOC.