TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

Baxter, a poker player himself, credited the buzz to amateur and celebrity games on different networks and the $2.5-million Cinderella win of Chris Moneymaker in last year's World Series of Poker.

"So many people are learning how to play because they've watched it on TV. And once people learn how to play they absolutely love the game," said Baxter.

WORLD SERIES OF POKER

ESPN covered the World Series of Poker finals in 2003 and has been replaying Moneymaker's winning performance over and over. The Travel Channel offers World Poker Tour, and Bravo has Celebrity Poker Showdown.

Baxter, who opened his shop last year as a gal's gift source for guys, said Texas holdem poker paraphernalia is outselling his sports memorabilia and popular hot sauces.

Heck, he said, men are even buying the supplies.

"The fact that you can see a rank amateur like Moneymaker come in and win (the pot) has all the Friday night and Saturday night players believing it is actually possible," said Baxter, who also carries poker guidebooks.

That, and the competitive and social nature of poker, fit Orville Laoag to a tee. The graphic designer hosts weekly games at his Garden City home for buddies who have caught poker fever.

"The interest is coming from the TV shows, definitely," said the 27-year-old, who built his own poker table. "And considering how much you spend going to movies or the bar, this is a cheap, fun, relaxing night."

The potential pot at the World Series dwarfs that of other reality shows, with the prize money for all games in the tournament topping $41 million, compared with $22 million last year. Second place earns $3.5 million.

Moneymaker advanced to the finals after paying $40 in a qualifying Internet event.

Today the series comprises more than 30 events that involve different variations of poker, such as pot-limit Omaha and seven-card stud. The much-anticipated No-Limit Texas HoldEm finals began Saturday.

Baxter, whose gifts target 25- to 45-year-olds, is anticipating a related bump in sales. He's also expecting to ring up poker goodies for Father's Day, although he doesn't carry Kenny Rogers card-playing anthem.