Video Poker is one of the games that enjoy great success in both land-based and online casinos. The game is the perfect combination of two successful games, Poker and Slot machines. The game is played on an electronic machine similar to that of a Slot.

Early 1890s - New York Company Invents First Poker Machine

A New York company Sittman and Pit, based in Brooklyn, was the first to invent a Poker machine. The machine, included 5 drums, carried 50 cards. The first few prototypes were installed in beer taverns where cigars and free drinks were given away as prizes.

Late 1890s - Charles Fey Redesigns the Machine

By the late 1890s, Charles Fey had already established himself as the Founder of the Slot Machine. He went on to develop a machine which automatically paid winners cash prizes of maximum 20 coins. Fey named his creation Card Bell. This was one of the first automated Poker machines to be invented. An authentic Card Bell can be seen at a tavern in Nevada, Las Vegas today.

Early 1900s - Fey Introduces a New Feature

Fey did not stop with the invention of the Card Bell and introduced a new machine known as Skill Draw with an additional feature – Hold. This new machine was a 5-Card Draw machine which allowed players to enhance their odds of winning by holding and re-spinning the drums.

Fey’s latest invention transformed the game from luck-based to strategy-based. Today, the machines include the Hold feature as it is an essential part of the game.

1970s – First Electronic Video Poker Machine Created

The concept of a personal computer was slowly starting to take shape during this time. Players were looking for quick and simple ways to take advantage of this technology to enhance their gambling experience. The first machine that was fully electronic was designed by Dale Electronics. Most of the Vegas casinos had installed the new electronic machine, named as Poker-Matic.

Bally Technologies was presented with a new idea of manufacturing these machines by its distributor, Si Redd. The key players of Bally Technologies shot down the idea as they were not keen to stray from the tried and tested path of successful Slot machines. Although Bally Technologies rejected the idea, the company allowed Redd to obtain a patent of a machine in his name.
This patent permitted Redd to strike a deal with Reno-based Fortune Coin Company for creating a new establishment called SIRCOMA. Redd supervised the large-scale production of his patented machines. The game machine soon became profitable. The success of these machines led to the invention of video Slot machines in the following years.

1990s – Microgaming Introduces Online version

Microgaming, one of the leading online gaming developers, designed and launched some of the first online versions of the game. Today, players enjoy them at their convenience on personal computers. Another major advantage of playing online is that players receive a host of opportunities to win jackpots and progressive games during their play. At present, online gambling sites offer more than 50 variations of the game.