Created by friends Greg Lang and Todd Anderson in 2005, HPT promotes the tagline "Real People, Unreal Money."

Originally developed to be a regional TV show airing in the Midwest, syndication expanded as the appetite for televised poker grew.

Commentators Fred Bevill and Chris Hanson analyzed play of the final six contestants in the Main Event for the episodes during Seasons 1 through 8.

Starting in Season 9, Maria Ho replaced Chris Hanson and the final table format was increased to nine players, up from six.

In January 2009, HPT announced a relationship with the nonprofit group Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to raise funds and awareness for the cause.