Video poker is the ultimate combination of online casino games of chance and skill. An eclectic mix of slots and poker, it rose to prominence well before Internet casinos. It fascinates newcomers while being regarded as the best choice by veteran punters seeking the highest RTP. The game comes in many flavors and is at the cornerstone of most casino portfolios, with new variants being added yearly to complement the classics.
Origins of Video Poker
The roots of video poker can be traced back to the 70s, a time when technology was making its baby steps in the realm of gaming. The first video poker machine was created in 1970 by Dale Electronics, although it was a very rudimentary product. Nearly a decade later, International Game Technology (IGT) came forward with the draw poker machine. This was the first game to allow punters to keep, discard, and replace cards, rewarding skill and practice rather than luck.
From the start, video poker machines won the hearts and minds of punters and became the main attractions in brick-and-mortar casinos. The 1980s were the golden age of video poker in these land-based establishments, with new variants unveiled yearly. The game brilliantly combines the simplicity of slots with the strategy of poker, hands appealing to punters from all walks of life.
Another significant milestone for the video poker industry was set in the 90s when multi-hand games were added. From this moment onward, punters could engage in multiple hands concurrently, which boosted the game’s thrill and potential winnings. This approach aligned with the overall trend of giving punters more choices and excitement.
Now, online casino players have the opportunity not only to play video poker but also to receive a 15 euro bonus for the game. This does not require a deposit but only registration in an online casino that offers such a bonus. The player can receive real winnings and withdraw money to their wallet without any personal investment in the game.
The Enduring Appeal of Video Poker
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there, and many games fall from grace. What about video poker? Has it allowed it to endure the test of time? One explanation can be found in the unique mix of skill and luck, as it rewards punters who use strategy and mathematics. Chance continues to play an outsized role, which means that even if punters don’t use the optimal strategy, they can beat the odds if luck is on their side.
Video poker is a simple game, but it comes in different flavors, and punters can easily switch from one to another. Strategies play a crucial role in the game’s enduring appeal, allowing players to influence the outcome by making the right decisions. At the center of any strategy is evaluating potential hands, understanding the strength of high cards, and calculating the odds. Risk-averse punters can choose a safer approach, while others prefer high-risk, high-reward bets.
These are the five most popular versions of video poker you can find at online casinos:
- Jacks or Better – the classic video poker variant, it requires a pair of jacks or better to form a winning hand.
- Deuces Wild – deuces act as wildcards and substitute any other card to create winning combinations.
- Double Bonus Poker – for-of-a-kind hands pay more, so the core game strategies revolve around creating such hands.
- Aces and Faces – winning hands with aces or face cards, such as Jacks, Queens, and Kings, will pay more.
- Joker Poker – the Joker acts as the wildcard to substitute any other cards, which enhances the potential for creating winning combinations.
The social aspect can’t be ignored either, as video poker has thrived because it has the uncanny ability to unite people. It has been cited as a beneficial choice in land-based casinos and was even used to help rehab patients in Las Vegas. When you play online, the bridge between the solitary experience and the social dynamics of traditional poker tables is severed. On the bright side, there are still video poker tournaments and competitions where punters can compete against fellow players.
Conclusion
Video poker has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s, and it has a bright future ahead. Combining skill and luck, its sheer simplicity and ability to adapt to ever-changing player preferences and technological breakthroughs explain its enduring appeal. You can find the game at every respectable online casino, as well as brick-and-mortar establishments. It is just as fun to play for free or real money, and it is perfectly suitable for the smaller displays of mobile devices.
