WSOP Affects on Traffic/Signups

[TheDonk]

I ran a million numbers today trying to figure some things out and here's what I've come up with.

It looks like overall traffic from July to now are close, but instant (bonus type) converting keywords are down quite a bit, somewhere in the 35-40% range. Obviously this would imply that the quality of traffic from an affiliates standpoint has gone down. Everyone says numbers are better during the WSOP, and this looks to be true.

So, the question becomes....if in fact the higher numbers in July are because of the WSOP...why?

Is it 1/ An affect of the WSOP airing on TV and being promoted on ESPN to regular sportsfans that are watching and signing up to play? Or 2/ Does it have more to do with the actual running of the tournaments and players are simply more active? The second one doesn't make as much sense to me since players who would be 'more' active would likely be playing regardless of the WSOP.

So, this all leads to another question...if the WSOP has such a dramatic affect on converting keywords, how much affect will come from the WSOPE? I didn't even know that the WSOPE started today until I happened to go to the WSOP website to see the schedule.

In Europe, how much attention is given to the WSOPE? There are only 4 'real' events, and it seems like the European players could support a larger series. So, why only 4 events?

Within the TV audience, how many people get excited to tune in?

Okay, another question...does anyone know if there are plans to expand the WSOPE next year and in the future?

I know it's a lot of questions, just pick one you like and go for it, lol.

[thefarang]

I don't know about any concrete statements about the WSOPE but Harrah's just signed an agreement to license the 888 software platform so they could launch an overseas online poker offering. I would assume with the WSOP being their major brand and not being able to offer gaming to US customers that they would try to leverage the WSOPE overseas.

[TheDonk]

That's a very good point. Lets hope next years WSOPE is more exploited than it's been so far.