Pi-Consulting

Humanity’s propensity to don green eye-shades and take a bet on a hand of cards is being expanded significantly by the internet. There are already 2,400 online sites for playing poker alone. The leading site, PartyPoker.com, sees just under $1,500 wagered on thirty-two hands of poker PER SECOND, making a pot worth $45 billion a year. As with most games of chance, the guys providing the green baize table (or in this case screen) can expect at least some of the money to stay with the House. In 2002, PartyGaming made $4.4 million on revenues of $30 million. By last year, the revenue was a few thousand dollars shy of $1 billion, and profits came close to $300 million. Care to raise? (Source: New York Times, Pi)