The World Poker Tour’s stock has plummeted from its highs this year and there’s no sign that a bounce back is quick in coming. Chief Financial Officer, Todd Steele, is expected to announce revenue for last quarter (fourth quarter 2005) in the $4.5 to $5 million range. Initially, this was pleasing news, but the company is now expected to announce pre-tax losses of $1.5-$2 million for last quarter.

Apparently, the change was due to higher marketing expenses for its website, WPTonline.com. The end result looks to be a $5-$5.5 million dollar loss for 2005. Over half of that, $3.6 million was due to the launch of their Professional Poker Tour.

The company’s stock symbol is WPTE and is traded on the NasdaqNM. Earlier this year, WPTE was on fire and trading around $30 per share. However, it’s been a landslide ever since and today WPTE closed at $6.19. World Poker Tour entertainment is working to expand into more countries this year, which will bring a more diverse, and larger, audience.

Most companies go through growing pains and there’s definitely upside potential for WPTE. The company is poised to have a better 2006.