Hungary Hungry for Poker
Written by Renee K | Thursday, September 17th, 2009
One of the countries where poker – both online and off – has really taken off in the world is Hungary. This Eastern European country seems to be fertile soil for those seeking to make a better wage than the average monthly salary of $640 – that is, when they can find a job.
Unemployment is rife in Hungary. Official figures put the number at over 10% – the highest in 13 years – but many say that it is much higher.
So what do bright, educated university graduates do when they need to start supporting themselves and there aren’t many jobs to be had? They take up poker, of course!
An incredible 200,000 people are estimated to play online poker in Hungary, out of a population of 10 million. Another 50,000 regularly play at land events.
When comparing the average salary to the potential of what there is to be had playing poker, the appeal of the game is fully understandable.
Today it is believed that 2% of all university graduates in Hungary dream of making a living by playing poker.
“Online, you can start with a few hundred dollars and if you are good, you can make as much as $10,000 per month in a year or two,” noted Gergely Tatar, the chairman of the Poker Association of Hungary.
Naturally, not everyone can make a living playing poker, but the 5,000 or so who do are a source of inspiration for those hoping to get to that same place eventually.
“Eastern Europeans are used to taking risk. They have always lived this way,” said Tatar.
Of course, it’s not only the poker players who come out winners from the poker boom in Hungary. Site operators happily charge fees on everyone who “walks through their doors”, earning them big bucks in the process. It is not unusual for an operation to make up to EUR 130 000 a month in a typical Eastern European city.
Top players such as Peter Traply, who made over $500K last year playing at poker tables around the world, continue to serve as role models to Hungarians, as well as teach them to enjoy one of the greatest games around.
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· Written by Renee K · Filed Under Poker News · Comments Off
