Poker. It is more than just a game!
Poker is a game of people. While many other games of chance match players against the house or even against a machine, poker puts players face to face with their opponent. The poker match-up provides all the drama, energy and emotion that humans possess.
The Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) has been, and always will be, about the people. This is a poker tournament where anyone can win and win big. HPT poker tournaments are held at select casinos; drawing hundreds of people to the opening round and always boiling down to a final table of six top players. HPT tapes this final table and creates two one-hour episodes with full commentary to be aired at a later date.
HPT started with modest expectations and has now hosted several successful events that have been shown in millions of household throughout America.
How it all began
Long-time friends Todd Anderson and Greg Lang started HPT early in 2005. These independent television producers harnessed their collective experiences in broadcast television, regional and national business development, marketing and branding to establish the Heartland Poker Tour. Its ascension within the industry was almost immediate.
The growth comes from its ecumenical approach, quality production and substantial purses. It is currently viewed in over 50 million households nationwide with new audiences tuning in each week.
Anderson and Lang consider HPT to be the “minor leagues” of poker with major league potential. The show is part drama, part reality television. It is younger, funnier and more energetic than current poker shows. They have a great set, dynamic announcers, and fresh faces. Industry insiders have declared it to be the “third best poker show on television.”
Anderson and Lang have three very simple and straight-forward objectives for the Heartland Poker Tour:
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Create and host well organized, fair, and fun poker tournaments that offer both reasonable opening buy-ins and large prize pools, all while welcoming any poker player regardless of experience or background.
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Provide a quality experience for the participating Casino. HPT views its relationship with the host Casino as a partnership and strives to create a product that delivers exceptional players, generates traffic and produces ample buzz about the property.
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Produce a quality television program that features real people, can’t-miss-a-minute poker action, and clever and insightful commentary.
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