Poker becomes "reality" on new documentary


The 2006 World Series of Poker’s Main Event is underway this week in Las Vegas, and ABA Entertainment, LLC is capturing the behind-the-scenes footage for an upcoming documentary, “House of Cards” – revealing the roller-coaster-real-life-grind of the professional poker player.

Marc Goodwin, the face of USAPoker, is one of seven widely recognized players being followed in this new documentary. For six weeks, camera crews will be following them between the tournament tables, bathroom breaks all the way to their residence, the “Parisian Palace;” a $13 million home rumored to have been previously owned by Whoopi Goldberg.

“It’s a house full of competitors,” says Goodwin. “When we first arrived, we ended up playing cards to decide who would get which room.”

In a place where there’s plenty of action to go around, Vegas is brimming with excitement surrounding the tournament. But, in this new documentary, the real action will center on the emotional jabs, psychological torture and international glory that can be uncovered at the world’s largest poker tournament (first place winner earned $7.5 million last year and the pot promises to be yet larger this time around). Goodwin, (a.k.a. Mr. Cool), will reveal the intimate details of the twists and turns, the highs and lows, the wins and losses and the true day to day series of events in the real life of a poker pro.

”I’m truly excited to be chosen as one of the members of the show,” says Goodwin. “It will really give the viewers an insight as to what goes on behind-the-scenes at this massive annual tournament.”

TV cameras have been on-the-scene in the past, but now, in celebration of this country’s unabashed obsession with Reality TV and Texas Hold ‘Em, a refreshingly unexpected new perspective is being revealed. Sometimes shaken, oftentimes stirred, House of Cards serves up the perfect cocktail for all to enjoy, with a twist.

Poker Ratings Show Strong Hand

While US Poker TV ratings have been settling since 2004, the major networks have done well to maintain strong numbers. In an October article published by Television Week, CEO of the World Poker Tour (WPT) points out that WPT ratings are comparable to regular season NBA games and PGA Tour national telecasts. Tournament poker programming remains the second highest-rated hourly episode series ever produced by ESPN Original Entertainment while Fox Sports Net claims their coverage is “perhaps the most durable piece of programming we have.”

“House of Cards” will continue to follow Marc Goodwin, and his house-mates, in their common quest to claim a highly coveted Bracelet at this year’s World Series of Poker. As a member of the first reality show to ever document with a focus on the life of professional poker players, Goodwin is in position to go All-In and “House of Cards” will be there to capture the moment, the glory or the gut-bust.