The History of Video Poker

Video poker is now one of the simplest ways to play poker online. It’s fun and incredibly easy to understand. Play video poker on Casino.com for your chance to win some big-money prizes!

The Origin of Video Poker

In the early 1970s, the world was introduced to personal computing for the very first time. Excited about this new concept, the casino games industry saw a way of taking gambling to the next level and, soon afterwards, the world’s first video poker machine was born.

Si Redd was the man responsible for this. His company, Sircoma, launched the Draw Poker machine in 1979, which featured a lowest possible hand of two pairs. By the 1980s, his video poker machines could be found not only in casinos, but also in bars, restaurants, amusement arcades and other entertainment venues across the globe.

It’s not surprising that video poker took off quickly. Veteran gamblers and new ones alike favored the video poker machine as it offered a much faster, more fun and less intimidating experience than the traditional form, which involves playing at a table, often with strangers.

Video Poker Machine Functionality

Like the classic slot machine, the video poker machine was activated when the player inserted a coin and pulled the lever. This would spin five drums, each featuring images of playing cards. One by one, the drums would stop spinning and reveal a playing card to the player, chosen at random. The row of five playing cards would act as the player’s "hand." The Hold and Draw buttons would then flash and the player would have to make a quick decision.

Video Poker Goes Online

The 1990s saw video poker make its transition from casinos and amusement arcades to the personal computer. Advances in casino software have ensured that the avid poker fan can now access classic video poker games, such as Jacks or Better, Ace Invaders, Aces and Faces, Deuces Wild, Super Aces and Bonus Flush, from the comfort of their sofas. Better functionality, faster loading times, amazing graphics and high quality sound effects are providing players with that "almost real" casino feel. And it can only get better...

Casino.com is renowned globally for its excellent selection of online video poker games. If you want the chance to be our next big jackpot winner, download our great software and create a real-money account. If you’ve never played online video poker before, select the Practice Mode option after you have launched the casino lobby. You can play online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Make sure you read our Rules of Video Poker page – it’s straightforward, jargon-free and will teach you all the basics. Afterwards, visit our How to Play Video Poker page – it’ll give you useful information on all the buttons, keyboard shortcuts and the general layout of online video poker games. If you have any questions about video poker, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our customer support team. Have fun playing online video poker at Casino.com – the only place to play.

Online Video Poker Facts:

Online video poker is completely random. There is no way of knowing what hand you’re going to be dealt next.
You have a one in fifty-two chance of being dealt a specific card – the same odds as with a physical deck.
The amount you bet doesn’t affect the cards you’re dealt.
Some variations of online video poker feature a wild card.
The most useful card in video poker is the Jack, as it gives more leeway to support the other winning hands.