Let's explore the interesting development of video poker and its online version.
The Birth of video Poker Machines
The history of slot machines and video poker are intertwined and closely interconnected. To learn more about the history of slot machines and the relationship between video poker and slots, make sure to read our page about them.
The original draw poker machines were slot machines that only allowed players to draw or hold the cards that were dealt; they were entirely dependent on chance. Like a slot machine, they had five spinning reels, and when they stopped, a hand of poker was generated by the random cards.
When the draw element was included, the first poker machine was made. Suddenly, it was more than just a matter of chance. In fact, players had some influence on how the game turned out.
The "Skill Draw" poker machine was the original. It was made in 1901 by Charles Fey and had the draw feature. The player might hold some cards and spin the remaining reels once more to finish the poker hand that was started by the first spin of the five-reel machine.
There were just 50 cards in the original poker machines, usually excluding the Jack of hearts and the Ten of spades. This reduced the likelihood of hitting a Royal Flush in half by allowing players to hit the hand in only two suits.
First Video Poker Machines
In 1970, Dale Electronics Corporation unveiled the first Video Poker machine, known as Poker-Matic, as soon as it managed to integrate a central processing unit and a television monitor. Back then, its screen looked a lot like television screens. Despite being put in every casino in Las Vegas, the machine failed to gain traction.
In the 1970s, people just could not trust electronic gambling machines if they could not see the reels rotating. Later, in the middle of the 1970s, Bally Distributing Company, run by William "Si" Redd (1911-2003), the man known as the "father of video poker," showed the executives of the company a brand-new creation: a game named Video Poker. Bally Distributing Company was serving as Bally Gaming's game distributor. They refused to give up on slot machines, though, and allowed him to keep the patent.
International Game Technology & The Golden Age
Si Redd immediately came to an agreement with the Fortune Coin Company of Reno, Nevada, to develop Sircoma (Si Redds Coin Machines). This allowed Si Redd to begin mass producing video poker machines, and by 1979, a brand-new model known as Draw Poker was available in US casinos. The business went public in 1980 and changed its name to International Game Technology (IGT), which is now well-known globally.
In the 1980s, IGT oversaw the explosive rise in popularity of video poker machines. This was made possible by:
- Numerous betting options: Gamers have the opportunity to play for smaller stakes and place a single coin wager.
- Availability: In addition to casinos, bars, airports, bus terminals, cafes, and strip clubs now offer video poker.
- Greater payout and reduced variance: In the original Draw Poker version of the game, two pairs were the lowest paying hand. When it was reduced to only two Jacks, Jacks or Better Video Poker was created.
- Screen & Draw feature: The game provided a less intimidating alternative to table games in terms of player engagement.
Later, when touchscreens were added and new Video Poker variants like Double Bonus and Deuces Wild were developed, the game's appeal increased even further. As one of the most played games in physical casinos, you can now find them all throughout Las Vegas.
Online Video Poker
Popular casino game developer Micro gaming created the first online version of video poker in 1994. With the steady addition of new features and games, online video poker now offers an even greater selection of games and betting alternatives. Even progressive video poker games with large payouts are available to players.
Video Poker Nowadays
These days, you can play video poker at airports, clubs, and train stations. Additionally, you may listen to them on your smartphone or tablet either on the road or in the comfort of your own home. These days, one of the most played and well-liked casino games is video poker. There are hundreds of versions to pick from, such as multi-hand Video Poker and other imaginative games. The most played variety of video poker even now is Si Redd's original Jacks or Better, which is a very intriguing fact.
Concluding Remarks
Video poker's ongoing appeal is demonstrated by its growth from its beginnings on casino floors to its broad availability on internet platforms. What started out as a specialized game has spread throughout the world, enthralling players of all ages and abilities. The future of video poker is brighter than ever, with players worldwide expected to experience even more excitement and innovation as technology develops. Do follow CBTF Mytube for more information about the Video poker videos.
