Online Video Poker
What it is…
Video poker came into existence in the 1970s and has since evolved into one of the most popular types of gambling. The game is highly challenging, played quickly and requires combined skill and luck. Video poker's many attractive features include the fact that players can enjoy hours upon hours of exhilarating fun. Today's video poker players have a wide choice of options of where to get their video poker fixes; from the traditional land-based casinos, to online casinos, and now via hand-held mobile devices.
The majority of online video poker games are based on 5-card draw poker. In 5-card draw, players are dealt 5 cards and may exchange any or all of their cards in order to improve their hand. New cards are dealt to replace those discarded, and the resulting hand determines whether the player wins or losers.
Warning: Video poker may be too much fun
Playing online video poker is very different from video poker enjoyed in land-based casinos. For one thing, you can't just get up and switch machines when the one you are playing isn't paying. Also, you can't just walk off with your winnings in hand. Still, for a fast-growing number of video poker enthusiasts, the thrills of video poker can't be beat; the game represents the ultimate in video games because it can never be mastered. (Of course, that's not to say I'm not trying. Trust me; I am.)
Video Poker's Evolution
Ever since the arrival of video poker, numerous variations have been introduced, and it's safe to assume many more are on their way. The first ever online video poker game introduced was Jacks or Better. This was followed soon after by Deuces Wild and after that by Joker Poker. In the late 80s the 'Bonus' series began and developed over the next couple of years. Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, & Triple Double Bonus Poker had not yet hit the scene. Bonus games introduced later included the Double Jackpot and Double Double Jackpot games which paid even more for the bonus hands.
Over the past couple of years both the online and offline gaming industries have witnessed the development of countless variations of video poker, including poles-apart versions of Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild games. Plus with these variations have come the multi-hand games whereby players can play several hands at once with a single deal and draw of the cards. These multi-hand video poker games are proving incredibly popular with poker fans everywhere. Thus it's safe to say the online gaming biz is in for some pretty exciting developments in, among others, the realm of online video poker.
Seek and ye shall find
Finding the site with the best online video poker games for you is obviously no easy undertaking, especially when you don't even know what to look for, or avoid. As always, playing the video poker games created by the larger software developers like Playtech, Microgaming etc. is your safest bet. Good luck and have fun!