TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

The most successful company that managed to cash in on the current trend was Toronto-based CryptoLogic, which surpassed the analysts' expectations for the third quarter. The software provider earned $2.9million (up 32% year over year) and made more than 15% of earnings from its poker business (up 55% from the previous quarter), reported Canada.com.

CryptoLogic, which runs the fourth biggest network of online poker sites in the world, boasts more than 3,000 players on its networks at any given time.

"Online Texas Holdem poker is the fastest-growing segment in the history of interactive gambling, and Cryptologic has a great seat at the winning table," said Lewis Rose, the company's president and chief executive.

So far, CryptoLogic shares are up 76% to $27.40 since January, and 52% since it reported third-quarter earnings. At the same time, Toronto-based CES Software PLC is up 28% to $3.86 year-to-date with Calgary-based Chartwell Technology Inc. up 145% to $4.90. Boss SS, an industry leader that trades on the Stockholm exchange, is down slightly on the year but up 23% since August.

Experts tend to explain the poker popularity with the success of televised poker matches like "World Series of Poker," "World Poker Tour" and celebrity games. The online poker industry owes its loyalty to Chris Moneymaker, who managed to win the prestigious World Series of Poker 2003 and take home $2.5million prize after qualifying at an online tournament. His victory made people believe that online gaming may serve as a very useful device to master their poker skills. He was followed by two other online poker qualifiers Greg Raymer and David Williams, who became the winner and runner-up of the 2004 World Series of Poker.