Is poker a fad that's starting to decline in popularity? Don't bet on it.

Data from the Poker Pages Industry Index, an industry standard when it comes to measuring the growth in Online Poker, has revealed that the game hasn't missed a beat as far as its soaring popularity is concerned.

The PPII for the first quarter of 2006 resides at 130, indicating a growth of 30 percent versus the same period last year - with total buy-in dollars just over $98 million. The growth over the last 12 months remains very strong, with the Buy-in Index for the period at 155, indicating growth of 55 percent over the previous 12-month period.

This growth can be attributed to an expanding player base, according to Poker Pages founder Mark Napolitano. "The Entrants Index continues to show a strong pattern of growth, showing tournament entries up 15 percent versus last year at 115," he added. "Industry growth is also being helped out by a rising average buy-in per entry. The Average Buy-in per Entry Index for the quarter is 113, showing a growth of 13 percent versus the same quarter last year, with an average buy-in of $1,207 per entry. This also represents a trend with four consecutive months over $1,000."

There was, however, only marginal growth regarding buy-in dollars for March at $33.9 million. Poker Pages analysts attributed this to several factors. First, having pulled out of the World Poker Tour, the PartyPoker.com Million $10,000 main event saw a decrease of 29 percent in buy-in dollars and over 200 fewer entrants than the previous year. This was combined with a slow month from the WSOP Circuit events.

"With the slowed growth in March it will be important to monitor April, May and June, leading up to the World Series of Poker, to help us determine the overall pace for 2006," said Napolitano. "Look for the industry to have a strong month in April with the introduction of a new World Poker Tour Event at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, as well as their $25,000 championship event later in the month at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Also, watch out for the newly formed International Poker Association's Tour to make a quick impact with its inaugural event in May."