PartyGaming's recent announcement of plans to consider flotation on the London Stock Exchange has generated considerable commotion among investors looking to get a piece of the online poker rage. PartyGaming's announcement comes at a time in which investors have begun to warm to the online poker industry, particularly in the UK.

Several signs have all indicated that online poker is currently among the hotter industries for investment. First, since the UK-based Sportingbet shelled out $300 million to acquire ParadisePoker, the company's stock value has doubled. Additionally, shares for NETeller, an internet money transaction service serving mostly the online casino industry experienced a threefold rise in price.

The immense growth of the online poker industry seems to have received a boost from the popularity of televised poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker. Although Poker is the fastest growing component of the online casino industry, growth seems to be in the process of slowing. According to some accounts, the current growth rate is impossible to maintain on the long run.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Monday, 28 February 2005