From mid 2008 through 2009, the world economy has gone through some very rough spots with a massive dip that many feared would end up being the next Great Depression. Yet, today things are beginning to look better for countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. In Europe, the picture is not quite so rosy and there may be a bit longer to go before the financial crisis is able to be cleared up. The gambling industry, particularly major global event organizers such as the team behind the World Series of Poker, have been a bit nervous about the potential dip in attendance – especially from those in hard hit nations of Europe. Experts had remained unclear about whether or not players would be willing to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, where the event is held each year, in order to participate. Those fears have been proven to be unfounded and the games are continuing at a very rapid pace, pulling in a big number of players who are focused on getting big money for their efforts. So far, the Series has scarcely felt the effects of the recession at all, proving once again that economists have been right about recessions not dampening certain markets such as gambling, cinema and art.
Despite some rough waters for the pound sterling and the euro over the past few years, a drop of nearly 40% for those currencies, the games have been hopping in Europe and contestants continue to join the Series. With buy ins that can range anywhere from $500 to $50,000 and the added travel expenses plus accommodations, it comes as no surprise the organizers had prepared for the worst but are delighted by actual attendance for 2010.
