With the exception of Phil “Poison” Ivey–who is the top black poker player in the world–one rarely sees a black face on any of the many poker shows on television.

Most of the participants on those shows are either white or Asian, but now cable channel Black Entertainment Television (BET) is looking to change the complexion of things.

A new TV show is scheduled to debut on BET on Tuesday, March 18, featuring nothing but black poker players.

The show, “Black Poker Stars Invitational,”=A0 is to air at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

According to a press release from BET, the new show will feature, “the biggest celebrity trash-talking poker players in Hollywood.”

Hosting the show will be Katt Williams and Kenny Burns.

Playing poker on the show will be Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Kevin Hart, Miguel Nunez Jr., Eddie Griffin, Orlando Jones, Faizon Love, Eva Pigford, Wood Harris, Al Shearer, Mekhi Phifer, Chris Spencer and Melyssa Ford.

The poker players will play in a no-limit Texas hold ‘em tournament, which will have a $50,000 top prize that will go to the winner’s favorite charity.

The show was recently taped at the Planet Hollywood casino in Las Vegas.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.)