When one thinks of video poker, one often associates it with being amongst the oldest online casino software around. In fact, video poker games are not only dated when it comes to the online casino world – but they are also amongst the oldest electronic gambling software (and hardware) found in land-based casinos. These games have remained virtually unchanged since they debuted in the 1970s. Why do they still appear at casinos, and how are they still relevant? Let’s find out.
A Trusted, Reliable Game
First and foremost, you must understand that video poker games are amongst the most reliable around. They don’t feature any overly complicated features or rules. They are designed in a way that anybody with the most basic understanding of poker hands can have a crack at them. Given that their very nature is to be simplistic, it is no surprise to see them seldom evolve over the last fifty years. They are reliable and trusted in that you know what you will get before you play.
Are There No New Innovations?
Just because video poker games seldom change doesn’t mean that the genre never experiences any changes of any kind. In the last decade, we’ve seen a few new variants come into play, video poker games have become mobile-friendly, and multi-hand editions have popped up. The most recent change in the sector is the inclusion of high roller poker games. These effectively allow you to wager hundreds if not thousands of dollars on video poker – yes, video poker.
How to Play Video Poker
Video poker games are designed to be basic, so we can explain them to you in just a few sentences. You are not playing against a dealer or any sort of opposition here. Instead, all you must do is try to form a poker hand from those that appear on the paytable. Do that, and you’ll win whatever prize is listed. Some variants introduce wild cards (such as jokers and deuces), and these can introduce unconventional hands into the mix. The key thing about video poker is that you will be permitted to drop cards (and hold on to others) but only once, effectively allowing you to change your hand marginally.
Its Appeal? There Are No Skills Necessary
The most appealing that about video poker, and the thing that has kept video poker in the eyes of the public and relevant since its incarnation, is that it is easy to grasp. Even the most inexperienced players can play video poker and potentially win without the fear of being beaten by a dealer or opposing player.
What About Other High Roller Poker Games?
While high roller video poker games are new to the party, they aren’t the only high roller poker games you can play. Many high roller casinos have poker games where you can ramp up the value of your bets, and there are dedicated poker rooms offering tournaments and satellites where the prize pools can reach seven figures. However, if live, tournament and RNG poker doesn’t appeal to you, we can promise you that you’ll always have the trusted, reliable, unchanging video poker games to fall back on.
