TV poker is upping the ante – with an awards show of its own.

The first-ever “Casino Awards” are being prepared for a December debut on cable-channel GSN, according to officials.

The popularity of gambling shows – especially those featuring Texas Hold ‘Em, a high-stakes form of poker, and the colorful personalities who play the game professionally – seemed to have made the idea of an award show to honor them inevitable.

The “Casino Awards” will have categories for “casino players, entertainers and gaming-themed programming for television and movies,” the announcement says. It is set to air live from Las Vegas.

GSN – formerly the Game Show Network – has been moving away from its initial emphasis on TV game shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “The Price Is Right” and concentrating instead on casino-type gambling.

No word yet on how the award winner will be selected.