Changes to Poker on Television

The World Poker Tour has been on television for more than a decade, paving the way for many other shows that have portrayed poker on TV.

The latest offering from the WPT is its Alpha8 high-roller poker tournament series, which airs on FOX Sports. The tournament features some of the biggest players in the game at locations around the world competing in $100,000 buy-in tournaments.

The show had been airing on Sunday nights but just announced a move to Monday nights, still on FOX Sports in the United States. “Driven by strong initial interest,” says the press release, the WPT Alpha8 episodes will now air on Mondays at 9pm ET, beginning June 23.

The World Poker Tour will continue in its Sunday night time slot.

Another television show will premiere soon to give the WPT some competition. Poker Night in America will air on CBS Sports Network on Sunday nights at 10pm ET, beginning on June 29.

This show features poker players in cash games at various casinos around the United States. The intent is to bring “personality back to poker” and will feature a mix of well-known pro players and those who might be new to viewers. “We’re making poker fun again,” said President and creator Todd Anderson.

The show has 26 consecutive weeks ready to air.