In recent months, thousand of online poker fans have made the switch to backgammon and other skill games, resulting in a predictable backgammon phenomenon. The popular game has found favor with online poker fans for its fast-paced action and unique blend of luck and skill – factors that helped to push poker to dizzying heights at online gaming sites all over the world.

Now it seems as if it’s backgammon’s turn. Reports in gaming media this week confirm that the online backgammon already boasts over a million registered players. One backgammon software provider estimates that 10,000 players are logging on every day to wager on the game.  As a result of all the publicity foreign language services and an improved software program are available for download to players all over the world.
 
Similarly, high levels of interest are being generated by online backgammon tournaments. Organizers announced this week that the largest money prize ever seen in the history of the game will be up for grabs at this year’s tournament and a sell-out crowd is expected to celebrate backgammon’s official coming out party. The event is scheduled for 21-25 January and will be held at the exclusive Atlantic Resort in the Bahamas. A truly diverse crowd is expected with some of the biggest names expected to travel from as far away as Chile and Japan to compete for the $500,000 prize pool.

Publicity surrounding the event will be high with plans to broadcast it via satellite internationally. The tournament’s sponsor will be hoping that record numbers of fans tune in to these broadcasts to participate in a little armchair wagering. Backgammon fans can play their own tournaments online with tickets to the grand final and five nights accommodation in Atlantic Resort offered as the main prize.

Online gambling businesses are reporting an upturn in business again following the industry slump that occurred after the U.S. Senate passed anti-gambling legislation last year. Many gambling operators are diversifying their products and targeting new international markets for backgammon and other popular games. Large amounts of revenue are being generated daily from Europe and Africa with Canada, South American and Latin America also generating healthy new player registrations.