how do we get these games to the next level
Hey gang.
This goes out to any and all participants for discussion, but mainly to the administrators (organizers) of the various games here. We all know that we are in a grey area here, and I believe we all want a larger player base in general.
My question is as follows: What types of advertising begin to push the limit? I have seen games and clubs produce printed advertising materials, I have seen people soliciting at casinos, things like that. As a player, does it make you nervous to play in a game that is advertised on posters around town? As an operator, does advertising work?
Just some rambling thoughts ...
This goes out to any and all participants for discussion, but mainly to the administrators (organizers) of the various games here. We all know that we are in a grey area here, and I believe we all want a larger player base in general.
My question is as follows: What types of advertising begin to push the limit? I have seen games and clubs produce printed advertising materials, I have seen people soliciting at casinos, things like that. As a player, does it make you nervous to play in a game that is advertised on posters around town? As an operator, does advertising work?
Just some rambling thoughts ...
Comments
I think that organizers should always be careful, with or with out a rake if they come for you, you still get the same charges. Players, well thats up to the law boys what happens to them.
As for advertizing, we take our chances, I think you have to, no risk no gain. We try to keep it under wraps, but you still have to get the word out.
I recommend going to bars that have free rolls and giving flyers to the people that are interested in tourneys or cash games.
Bristol Street Classic I had an attendance of 7 players.
The KWSOP Satellite tournament had 26.
If I personally had the capacity to expand, I'm sure I could make it bigger.
Dude, I never said anyone was making millions. I said every game rakes even if the rake is to cover expenses.
obviously you take Rake = LOTS of coin
Actually, I don't rake my games. I never have.
8 :c: 6 :d: is my favourite hand
But it is far away from my original Q.
I have something like 300 people who have played in my games at some point, but I think there's thousands of people who would like to try it. I am wondering how to reach them.
If you don't yet know, I run an actual chartered poker club at York U. We have anywhere from 50,000 people at any time on the campus. When I was in promo mode, I was able to grow from no people to over 200 inside of a month. I am wondering if the formula is the same to reach 1000. I have the resources to make the games happen, that isn't the problem.
I just wanted some input I guess.
You have 50000 people and have tapped into the 200 pokerplayers.
Trust me, the 200 each have 5 friends that are simply scared shitless to try it themselves, either worried that
they don't have the disposable money to play (and likely lose) or for fear of being embarrassed because they don't
know the game.
Remind them, coming out is still cheaper (and more fun) that hitting the bar.
The bar never sent them home with prize money $$$.
Maybe a flatter payout structure to give people more hope of cashing. However minimal, if they leave with "tens of dollars"
they'll be back.
A freeroll or 2, with rules/hand charts etc, may be the way to get from 200 to 500-1000 regulars
How much are your buy-ins? If you had a lower limit game, maybe you could attract some newbies and/or on-line people. Maybe advertise a "Fish Night" and get some people hooked on poker. (No pun intended)
When I started playing at Bristol St. in Waterloo, the buy=in was $5.00!! (with unlimited re-buys for an hour and twenty minutes)
And now I'm not nearly as intimated to sit at a table ranging from $20-50. Anything above that and the wife starts to get on my case!!
Wolfhound is correct in saying that a night of poker is better than going to bar, and for some people, it's probally a tab cheaper.
JohnnieH
Back to basics.
Actually, Tilter helped me run the second one, (and I think he monied) but I would need some help to run two full games, especially if we're talking about 100+ in each one.