In 1970, the first video poker machine, the Poker-Matic, was introduced by Dale Electronics. Although it was a common site in Las Vegas casinos, it was not a very big hit. The turning point came in 1979 when SIRCOMA developed the draw poker video machines. Popularity surged because many people who found casino tables intimidating, had now found a way to gamble in their comfort zone. Throughout the 1980’s popularity continued to grow. Today, video poker machines and have a prominent place in many casinos, and are the favorites among Las Vegas locals.
In 1994 the first online casino software was produced by Microgaming, which has since introduced several varieties of video poker software. Several other software companies have followed suit. The advent of high speed Internet fanned the flames of the game’s popularity, making it possible for people who live nowhere near a casino to play online. Others find it more convenient to save the travel fare and play in the comfort of their own home.
Online video poker offers a variety of games including Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Bonus Poker, as well as multi play options that allow five, ten, twenty and up to one hundred hands to be played simultaneously. The game variations are virtually identical to the video poker machines found on casino floors.
Even with the hundreds of video poker variations, the simple version of Jacks or Better still seems to be the all time favorite.
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