by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
January 27, 2009
Although the U.S. government may think differently, the media continues to promote online poker. The latest addition to poker television includes a series from Montel Williams, renowned talk show host, and poker enthusiast.
“I love poker. It’s a game that has everything, played by kings and leaders and regular Joes alike,” said Williams. “It crosses boundaries and borders, now, thanks to technology and the internet, a global phenomenon that brings people of different ethnicities and origin together around the world. It is truly international, and the time is right for the International Team Poker League to take poker to a new level and a wider audience.”
The Emmy Award winner attributes much of the show’s success to the advancement of online poker rooms, despite the fact that internet gambling remains illegal in the United States. The television series will include online poker regardless, offering satellite tournaments online through a land based casino. The winners of the satellite tournaments will be flown to Las Vegas to compete on a team in the show. Williams has said that he intends to ask for sponsorship from the remote gambling industry.
Williams is renowned for his skill in poker, having played in celebrity tournaments in the past, including the World Series of Poker in 2007 and 2008. Williams has also participated in charity poker events such as the Ante Up for Africa tournament, hosted by Annie Duke and Don Cheadle.
When asked to describe his style of poker, Williams noted, “I think if I really had to approach a style I’d say I’m a tight player that can occasionally be aggressive. I’m not afraid to mix it up.”
The International Team Poker League will begin with satellite tournaments in March and is scheduled to be televised after the results are complete, sometime in November. It is expected to mix elements of poker and reality TV, and will feature No-Limit Texas Hold’em.
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