Will the world's top poker players represent their countries in the first
Olympic poker game in London in 2012? If it were up to CircusCasino.co.uk, the
answer would be a resounding yes.
This casino, part of the global Mansion group, has initiated a public
internet campaign, calling for Olympic organizers to recognize poker as a
legitimate sport and include it in the upcoming games. As can be expected, the
response from the public has been overwhelming.
Circus Casino suggested that poker be offered as a demonstration sport
in 2012 and then be officially inducted into the Olympic Games in 2016.
Speaking for Circus Casino, Peter Nolan said: "Poker's appeal is global, it
transcends gender and age and is the fastest growing sport in the world - it's
ripe for Olympic recognition."
Nolan said that millions upon millions of people watch and play poker each
year, and the popularity of this sport keeps growing. He also pointed out that
poker itself is a well established sport that has been around for centuries.
In its public appeal for poker to be recognized as an Olympic sport, Nolan
even went so far as to name Circus Casino's Dream Team of UK players whom the
site believes will be able to represent the country with honours.
These include Dave "Devilfish" Ulliot, a World Series of Poker bracelet
winner and televised poker celebrity; Jon Kalmar, who has won over $1.5 million
in his professional poker career; Lucy Rokach, the 59 year old who has been
described as the best female no limit hold 'em player in the world and Dave "El
Blondie" Colclough, a second placed winner in the 2000 World Series of Poker
event.
