History and Development of Video Poker
Video poker history is short comparing to other casino games history. It was first introduced to Las Vegas casinos during the 1970s. In its first days, the game did not gain much popularity amongst casino players. Since the early video poker history, it became one of the most popular casino games in North America casinos.
Video poker combines the simplicity of slot machine and the sophistication of poker. Winning video poker takes both luck and skill. The skill required from a video poker player is actually the ability to make the right decision regarding particular cards.
Since the video poker history is short, it did not go through major changes. The number of video poker variations grew over the years and new ones are developed all the time. Most of the variations are based on 5-card draw poker. In this poker version, the player has to eliminate cards in order to get the best possible hand.
Jacks or Better
The first game at the video poker history was Jacks or Better. This poker variation is still popular today and it requires players to have at least pair of jacks in order to win the pot. The first variation of video poker to appear in casino is Deuces Wild, which was followed later by Joker Poker.
By the late 1980s, new variations of video poker were introduced to casinos. The bonus included games such as bonus poker, double bonus poker and triple double bonus poker. The bonus video poker games offer bonus payouts of especially high hands.