If you are a video poker fan and would like to learn more about this splendid casino game, then read this article, since it will explain everything about it, from the early days to the present.
Origins of Video Poker
While it was not a video poker machine per se, the precursor of modern video poker is the first poker machine in history, invented by Sittman and Pitt company in New York, 1891. The poker machine had five drums and each of them contained ten specific poker cards. In order to play, someone had to introduce a coin after which pull a lever, like in slots.
The device became popular in American bars, but it wasn't played to win real money. At that time, it was not possible to introduce large amounts of money into the machine, so the winnings were paid out in forms of cigars or free drinks.
A few years later a man called Charles Fey, who also invented the slot machine added several improvements to the concept of the poker machine. He revolutionized the design, by creating a whole new machine that could also automatically pay winnings out in real money. This was called the Card Bell poker machine.
But it didn't end here because a few years later, in 1901 Fey invented yet another poker machine, called the Skill Draw, which introduced the "Hold" option. It worked the same way as a modern video poker machine, namely that a player could make a spin, then after analyzing his hand could either keep or discard a certain number of cards. This changed the game from being a based on luck to be based on skill and strategy.
From here it took a handful of decades until this new and popular game became available in its electronic format. The first real video poker machine was created by an American company called Dale Electronics, and it was commercialized under the name Poker-Matic. It took just a few years until every casino in Las Vegas embraced the new gaming concept.
Later the game evolved even further, with company SIRCOMA introducing a new video poker machine, called Draw Poker that had both "Hold" and "Draw" features. This version became far more popular than its predecessor and was soon the number one game in each casino.
Online Video Poker
Video poker was quickly embraced by online casino software providers and operators in the early '90ies. The company to create the first video poker software wasn't other than Microgaming that in a few years would become one of the biggest online gaming software providers on the planet.
Online video poker turned out to be an enormous success given the fact that people could play video poker games right from their homes in front of their PCs. As internet technology progressed, online video poker games became increasingly sophisticated. They provided better and better quality animations and images, and sound effects were introduced, as well.
Casinos offering video poker began giving out free money incentives to real money players in order to attract them to sign up, something that was not possible in a real video poker game be it either in a casino or in a bar.
As you see, video poker is a true success story, and it's not hard to understand why it's so popular nowadays both online and live. If you want to learn more about this game, then read our video poker strategy guides and additional articles.