Poker Channel Europe on track for success
Disclaimer: This article was originally published by Poker Channel Europe prior to its acquisition. We’ve preserved it for historical reference to highlight key moments in the network’s expansion.
The Poker Channel, Europe’s largest dedicated gaming TV network, made major strategic moves in 2009 to expand its reach and diversify its programming. On 1 June 2009, the network announced new distribution agreements in five European markets — Germany, Portugal, Poland, Cyprus, and Croatia — along with the launch of its first-ever live horse racing coverage.
Wider European Reach
With the latest agreements, The Poker Channel became available:
- In Cyprus via Cablenet
- In Croatia via Bnet
- On Kabelkiosk in Germany
- On UPC in Poland
- On Clix in Portugal
These deals increased the channel’s total footprint to approximately 17 million cable and satellite homes across 20 European markets, further cementing its position as the leading destination for televised gaming content in Europe.
Live Horse Racing Debut
In a bold content expansion move, The Poker Channel launched live nightly horse-racing coverage for the first time. The broadcasts featured action from top U.S. racetracks such as Philadelphia Park, Hawthorne, and Tampa Bay, airing for one hour every evening across all markets except the UK and Ireland.
To meet growing viewer interest, the broadcasts included:
- Studio commentary
- Betting tips
- Form guides
- Expert analysis from professional handicappers, jockeys, and trainers
The racing coverage gave The Poker Channel a broader gaming identity and marked its evolution into a more diversified sports entertainment platform.
Meanwhile, the poker scene was equally thrilling, with Michael Mizrachi’s landmark win at the WSOP setting the tone for a stacked 2010 tournament calendar.
At the time, The Poker Channel’s influence rivaled that of major U.S. outlets like CardPlayer, which chronicled global poker developments and major tournament victories.
A Strategy for Growth
This expansion reflected the network’s responsiveness to market demand and its commitment to offering more than just poker. By combining high-quality tournament coverage with new live sports programming, The Poker Channel positioned itself for sustained relevance and broader appeal across Europe’s gaming audiences.
For more on the evolution of Europe’s top gaming network, visit PokerChannelEurope.com.
