While the top 10 major online poker sites/networks grew around 30% in 2009, the pain of a worldwide economic recession was felt at casinos. Profits at Las Vegas casinos were down dramatically and major entities like the World Poker Tour (WPT) saw a slide in attendance. Other companies hurt by the downturn were retailers that sell supplies for private poker tournaments and home games. While business was booming prior to the downturn, many of the major retailers are encouraged by their 2010 prospects.
“2009 was our most difficult year. With people worried about jobs and homes, recreation expenses were down across the board. We were able to hold some ground by expanding our offerings to the international buyer,” said Jim Evering of Nevada Jacks.
One major chip retailer is making waves with a line of new products aimed at enticing the true poker aficionado to its store. Poker Chip Mania recently sent out a news blast introducing 10 new clay poker chips to an already robust selection. Poker Chip Mania specializes in offering poker chips, cases, cards, tables, and game room décor. All the chips have denominations on them and are available in 10 different colors. Bundles start at 50 chips or can be purchased in one big set. They weigh in at 14 grams.
Poker Chip Mania is located within the KMR Online Shopping Mall. In addition to the 10 new styles of chips, Poker Chip Mania has located and obtained a limited number of popular Paulson poker chips. These chips sold very well, but are now discontinued and have become a collector’s item.
Nevada Jacks is another major poker chip supplier that offers unique and custom products. The site’s online storefront includes items such as custom poker chips, clay poker chips, composite chips, accessories, and tables. Nevada Jacks offers the ability for customers to design their own chipset and have it manufactured.
“Custom chip sets are the ultimate purchase for the true poker aficionado. Nothing says ‘high roller’ like having your own design in a set of poker chips,” commented Evering. The custom poker chip page allows you to pick colors and send in your own custom design for full casino grade, 10-gram poker chips. The turnaround time is stated on the site as being two weeks and chips are available in smooth and textured formats.
“The custom process can be as simple or intricate as the buyer wants. We offer several templates that allow buyers to easily create a personalized design,” commented Evering. “On the other hand, if the buyer desires, we will work with them to provide a totally custom set. Once the customer places their order, the artwork and proofing process begins. This usually takes about a week. Once the proof is approved, it takes about one week to produce and ship.”
Organizations that have purchased customized chipsets through Nevada Jacks include the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, PokerStars, UB.com, Absolute Poker, and many casinos worldwide. The store has even had features in GQ and Playboy magazines.
For those of you that have a regular home game, here’s a nice checklist that you can use if you plan to invest in it:
– Felted poker table with cushioned border
– KEM or Copag decks of cards
– High-quality 14-gram chipset or custom made 10-gram chipset
– Tournament timer device
– Decorations including a poker light fixture and signs for the wall
– Cash box
– Drink carts
All of these items and more are found on Poker Chip Mania’s and Nevada Jacks’ websites. As 2010 begins, these two poker supply stores have adapted themselves to offer what customers want amid a severe economic downturn.