Over the years, we’ve seen many casino game variations just to make them more appealing to a wide range of users. On top of that, as traditional casino games were introduced to new parts of the world, some nations decided to add their own spin on the game resulting in a new variant.
When it comes to table games, there is no doubt that poker is one of the most popular. And the game has evolved from being hidden in the basement of some bar, to being available on any phone, computer or tablet. You can even play poker crypto now, with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
However, the game is quite tense and it is not for people that want to play it casually without having any skills.
This is where video poker comes in. This is an interesting combination of slots and poker that is played against the machine instead of other people like traditional poker.
With the huge expansion of the online gambling industry, Video Poker became widely popular due to its low house edge that can even go over 100%.
The ability to make money and the simplicity of the game made Video Poker an instant hit among players.
But when did this all start?
Let’s find out.
History of Video Poker
Even though video poker isn’t as old as other casino games, its origins are somewhat disputed and different individuals or companies are credited with the invention of the game. With that said, all sources point out that the first video poker machine was created in the 1970s by a man called Si Redd.
Redd was a businessman and entrepreneur who owned a company called Sircoma, which stood for Si Redd Coin Machines. Sircoma was primarily focused on developing and manufacturing slot machines, but Redd saw an opportunity to create a new type of gambling machine that would be more appealing to a wider audience.
To achieve this, Redd drew inspiration from the traditional game of poker and combined it with the mechanics of a slot machine. The result was the first video poker machine, which was called “Poker-Matic.”
Early Days of Video Poker
Can you imagine introducing a poker machine that has a huge payout? It must have been incredible in 1975 when Poker-Matic unveiled its creation at a trade show in Las Vegas.
It was initially only available in a few select casinos, but it soon spread to other gambling establishments around the country.
Over time, the game of video poker evolved and new variations were introduced. Today, there are numerous variations of video poker available, including popular games like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Jokers Wild.
The Popularity Growth of Video Poker
Video poker gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s when it first appeared in casinos and was played on dedicated machines. At this time, video poker was seen as a new and innovative form of gambling, and it attracted a wide range of players.
As the game gained popularity, more and more variations were developed. This allowed players to choose from a variety of different games, each with its own set of rules and payouts. This added to the appeal of video poker and helped to attract even more players.
The growth of online casinos in the late 1990s and early 2000s also contributed to the popularity of video poker. With the rise of the internet, players were able to access a wide range of online casinos and play video poker from the comfort of their own homes. This made the game more convenient and accessible to a wider audience.
Today, video poker is a popular choice for players at both land-based and online casinos. Its combination of strategy and luck makes it an exciting and engaging game that continues to attract a wide range of players.
Video Poker Today
Nowadays, video poker is dominating the online casino gambling industry. It seems like this game is perfectly designed for online adoption with its simple gameplay and rules.
Video poker today is considered one of the highest-paying games offered in online casinos, just because some of the video poker variants have more than 100% RTP.
This obviously makes that game very popular among casino game lovers. Video poker is designed to make the traditional game simpler and more casual.
Most people would argue that video poker is based on luck, compared to traditional poker where players need skills to win, but in reality, even video poker requires skills in order to increase your winning chances.
