Betfair, the betting exchange which launched its poker site in May 2004 has begun an initiative targeting female players.

Tuesday will become ladies night at Betfair Poker, with a new pink webpage set up for the girls, where female players can learn the basics and play in women-only tournaments.

Betfair are looking to capitalise on the upsurge in women’s interest in the game. Their statistics show that the proportion of women playing on Betfair Poker has grown. In 2004, women only represented 7% of all online players, now they account for more than 10% (43% growth).

This increase is mirrored in the blue ribband event of the game, the World Series of Poker, held in the USA every year.