Poker’s anchor in history plunges back, or should I say, down to the depths of the 1800s, firmly rooted in the past. The exact origins remain a hot topic of debate even today. Some argue it hails from America, others point to Persia or France, leaving us with a cluster of confusing theories. But one thing’s certain — poker has entertained generations, and its popularity endures.
From its enigmatic beginnings to the birth of poker chips, the advent of online gaming, and the quaking impact of events such as the enactment of the UIGEA, poker’s history is a fantastic assortment of mysteries, challenges and uncertainties.
In this post, we’ll dissect the tangled history of poker. We will strive to unknot its roots to give you some puzzle pieces to ponder.
Beyond that, the questions that are begging to be asked are: How has poker spread across different cultures and in different periods of history? What makes poker an enjoyable game that has survived the test of time?
Don’t go anywhere because we’re about to explore all of that and more.
As mentioned earlier, people have been arguing for a long time about where poker actually came from; nonetheless, many theories by experts have sprung up since poker became a global gem. The earliest claim of the existence of poker (or an ancient variation of it) goes back to over a thousand years ago.
A few historians have claimed that the origins of poker can be traced back to a domino card game that was usually played by a Chinese emperor in the 10th century. Other experts have argued that poker is a later variation of “As Nas,” a Persian card game that came to the surface around the 16th or 17th century.
Let’s not overlook the fact that as poker developed stronger wings to soar into higher altitudes of popularity, so did its variants, such as seven-card stud and Texas Hold ’Em, among others.
No, you’re wrong, the debates on this are still on, but something keeps drawing me and many historians towards the ancestral plane. It feels as if our ancestors are guiding us, patting us on the back, dropping hints that poker’s roots can most likely be traced back to the 19th century, specifically from the French game called “Poque”. Poque shares many similarities with modern poker. This game rose to popularity in France during the 17th century.
Still, on Poque, they say French colonists were able to bring the practice of it into the areas they occupied around regions such as New Orleans, which was previously occupied by the Spaniards in the late 1700s but was turned back over to France under the famous military leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
However, the occupation of French authorities in the region of New Orleans would soon come to an end with the enactment of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
Napoleon agreed to sell New Orleans to Thomas Jefferson, the president of the United States at the time, as a means to finance the several wars he was engaged in all over the continent of Europe. In its early years in America, Poque merged with local culture and was commonly played in saloons. The game’s mechanics and features were adapted into a system that Americans are more familiar with today.
Another popular claim about the origins of poker is that the British game Brag had a major influence on the early mechanics of poker. Descending from the Elizabethan game of Primero, Brag was also carried over to areas of the United States by traveling merchants and colonists at the time. Some believe that Brag had an influence on how poker was played back then, which was with a 20-card deck.
For a long time, you’ve probably recognized poker as one of the most popular gambling games around, or let me say “we.” But it wasn’t always that way. As with any trend, poker had to start somewhere. And though we can’t be 100% sure, it seems that poker started gaining momentum as a favorite pastime among the common folk in New Orleans during its early years. Let’s pick up right where we left off before in our exploration of New Orleans and its connection to poker.
In terms of geography, New Orleans was the perfect place for poker’s influence to spread all across the United States and abroad.
The city was a huge port near the mouth of the Mississippi River, also known as the second-longest river in North America — this means that many merchants and tourists pass by the said body of water and into New Orleans, where they learn about poker and pass it on to their next destinations.
Several other events in history have surprisingly contributed to the growing spread of poker, especially in the United States. Political instabilities in certain regions of the country, wars, and even the growing innovations and developments in the transportation industry have all had a part to play in cultivating the influence of the popular game.
It is a given fact that poker has had an exponential influence among the people back then up to today. While the game’s rules and mechanics have changed, one thing remains constant in poker — its social nature. It brings people together, offering a form of entertainment and camaraderie. Today, even though life’s challenges might differ from those of the past, poker continues to be a game where people can gather, share a laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.
From its disrupted origins, poker first made its breakthrough as a popular household game during the 19th century. Recall that it was mentioned earlier that poker shared similarities with the English game Brag and others. Many experts have also assumed that the gambling game has elements that have been inspired directly by Primero — a 16th-century card game popular during the era of the Renaissance and brelan, a French card game that rose to prominence between the 17th and 19th centuries.
However, modern analysts argue against the notion that poker was primarily shaped by earlier card games. They point to the betting mechanics of the game, which were already established in the 19th century and distinctly different from those of earlier games. This indicates that poker had its own unique system that didn’t resemble the mechanics of previous games.
As previously noted, let’s remember that poker’s roots can be traced back to the Mississippi River region. However, its development there wasn’t just about the spread of its popularity.
It was in this area that poker’s mechanics also transformed into many different forms and systems. One of the most popular of these changes is the upgrading of poker’s standard deck to 52 cards from the previous norm, which was 20 cards. The original five-card poker variation evolved into a drawing game.
On top of that, an additional betting round was also included to raise the stakes even higher. Hand rankings such as the “flush”, which was five cards of the same suit, were also first established in this century. In the 1860s, the “straight” hand ranking, or five cards in a sequence, was also added to the list.
During the height of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, poker was a popular game on both sides of the war. And when the war subsided during its later years, and troops went back home, poker also spread to different areas of the United States as well. The game was so popular that eventually, it became a hotspot for criminal activities, especially during the era of the Wild West, which marked a time of lawlessness and violence in the country.
The germinating image of poker as a game of criminals and law-breakers soon quietly grew into a noisy iroko tree and had an overhaul with the onset of the 20th century. A time when civilization was getting back on track in the United States. One of the biggest milestones in poker to occur during this century was the creation of Texas Hold ’Em, a modification of poker.
A particular time when poker peaked in the 20th century was during the 1970s, which marked a period in the game’s history where it received the most developments and improvements, which was a better fit in modern times.
Poker tournaments became a hit in American casinos during this period. Towards the end of the decade, the first poker strategy books were published, including “Super/System” by expert player Doyle Brunson and “Caro’s Book of Poker Tells” by Mike Caro.
There were two significant events during the 20th century that can be classified as contributing to the “boom” of the poker industry back then. The first event was the legalisation of Texas and Omaha Hold ’Em (another poker variant) and even stud poker by the state of California. This expanded the range of legal poker games beyond just draw games, increasing poker’s popularity and attracting businesses and investors.
The second event was the passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by the US Congress in 1988. This move allowed casino games, including poker, to be played on Indian lands.
Eventually, this law was a green light for many casino operators and poker room organizers to expand their businesses into these previously untouched lands. Unsurprisingly enough, the poker scene rapidly increased in popularity in the span of a few years.
With the flip of the page to the 21st century, the hype for poker only got even more intense. In fact, poker received its biggest “boom” during the early years of the 21st century which will be discussed later on in this post. However, there have been many features and upgrades as well to the game that have outstandingly contributed to its further increase in popularity during this time.
Although online poker originally appeared in the late 1990s, it wasn’t until the early 21st century that it was made generally available. The introduction of the hole-card camera for televised poker games came in the last year of the 20th century, 1999. It was invented by Henry Orenstein. The hole card camera was first used in 1999 on a broadcast of “Late Night Poker” in the United Kingdom. This innovation metamorphosed poker into a spectator sport in the 21st century. It allowed viewers to see the players’ hidden cards. This made the game more engaging and exciting for millions of viewers globally to watch.
Professional poker players gained celebrity status among fans, and poker tournaments became highly esteemed worldwide. Prizes that amount up to the million-dollar range were a common sight in poker tournaments, and with the hype surrounding the game — things had nowhere to go but up for poker.
Texas Hold ’Em is a favorite poker game for many people, and many also consider it one of the most popular versions of poker. In this game, basically, each player gets two personal cards, known as “hole cards.” Then, everyone shares five cards that are placed face up on the table. These shared cards are revealed in three parts: first three cards (known as “the flop”), then one more card (“the turn”), and finally one last card (“the river”). As with regular poker, the player who has the best card combination at the end wins all the money that has been bet (also known as the pot) for that game.
Similar to the origins of poker itself, the Texas Hold ’Em variant’s beginnings are also engulfed in mystery. But as the name implies, the most widely accepted theory is that the game originated in Texas — particularly in the town of Robstown around the early 20th century.
As poker gradually gained recognition in Texas, Texas Hold ’Em made its mark in 1963 when it was introduced at the California Club Casino in Las Vegas. Eventually, word of the new twist to poker went around in neighboring gambling spots such as The Golden Nugget, Stardust Resort and Casino, and The Dunes Hotel. Since then, Texas Hold ’Em Poker has become a staple game in Sin City.
Usually, poker games are broadcasted around tournaments sponsored by several organizations all over the world. Since the game’s modernization in the 21st century, many communities have come together to form active groups that all focus on the shared love for poker.
Some organisations that have sprung up in recent times include the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), which was formed in 2005.
A nonprofit group, the Poker Players Alliance was created in order to protect the rights of poker players in the United States. During the first year of its establishment alone, a whopping 600,000 members signed up to join the PPA.
One of the most high-profile moves of this organisation was a protest against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 which banned financial institutions from transacting with online gambling websites. Another active poker organisation making the rounds is the International Federation of Match Poker which was founded in 2009 in Switzerland.
The core purpose of the organization is to promote match poker all over the world and to raise its status as a mind sport that requires the use of mental skill and precise strategies. A lot of poker tournaments have also gained popularity in the United States.
Broadcast to many viewers across the nation, some of the most popular competitions in the country include the World Series of Poker — a tournament series held every year in Paradise, Nevada. Since its conception, the tournament has expanded its reach to other continents, such as Europe and Africa.
Other Notable Poker Tournaments That Have Attracted Millions Of Fans as well include the World Poker Tour — an international televised poker competition, and the Super High Roller Bowl, which features a high stakes No Limit Hold ’Em poker and Pot-Limit Omaha format held in several areas all over the world.
As big as the game itself, the world’s best poker players are highly regarded in the industry they belong to for their sheer mental fortitude and remarkable ability to make on-the-spot decisions and strategies that give them an edge over their competition. Ever since the iconic poker boom, many prominent names have stood out among the rest — and with good reason.
Besides the previously mentioned Doyle Brunson and Mike Caro, who have been renowned for creating one of the pioneering poker strategy books that cemented the game’s place in the mainstream, many other personalities have earned their place in the golden halls of the best players in poker history.
An example of this is Daniel Negreanu, who is known among many as perhaps the most popular poker player in recent times. Nicknamed “Kid Poker,” Negreanu has enjoyed a massive fan base since his rise to stardom during the peak of the poker boom in the mid-2000s.
Another is Phil Ivey, known as the “Tiger Woods of Poker”. He is a regular in high-stakes televised games of poker all over the world. From sneaking into card rooms using a fake ID when he was young to bagging a number of WSOP bracelets. Ivey is one of the most respected figures in modern poker.
Before I forget, Johnny Moss, among his old buddies, was one of the pioneers of mainstream poker. A player who has earned the title of “Grand Old Man of Poker” for his numerous achievements and trailblazing contributions to poker — playing a helping hand (no pun intended) in introducing poker to the masses. One of the biggest highlights of his career is his well-deserved induction to the first-ever Poker Hall of Fame. Moss passed away in 1995, but his legacy continues to influence the poker community.
Coincidentally, with the rise of poker in modern times, the evolution of media and how people consume it nowadays has made a significant impact on the reach and popularity of poker in the age.
Apart from the previously mentioned televised tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour, many other forms of poker entertainment have emerged since the media boom of the 21st century.
Here are some of the most popular forms of media that poker has had a huge following on in the years that have passed. People of all ages from different areas of the world are among the crowd.
Television is, without a doubt, one of the biggest factors in poker’s worldwide success. With just the click of a button, dozens upon dozens of channels featuring poker tournaments and other forms of entertainment related to the game are accessible to viewers whenever they choose and wherever they may be.
Some of the most popular TV shows that feature poker are Poker Central, which features a 24-hour broadcast of poker events and news, and PokerStars TV, which uses a streaming service format for the shows that they own under the brand, such as the European Poker Tour.
High Stakes Poker, an ongoing show on the Game Show Network that features the no-limit Texas Hold ’Em variant of the game, is also making the rounds in broadcast media with over nine seasons under its belt.
Poker has also made a splash in Hollywood. From classic films to modern blockbusters, the game’s strategic depth and dramatic tension have captivated audiences worldwide. It is now a recurring theme in cinema, resounding in the minds and hearts of audiences.
Take, for instance, the 1998 film “Rounders,” where Matt Damon and Edward Norton bring high-stakes poker to life. Or the 1994 Western comedy “Maverick,” where Mel Gibson’s charm and wit shine at the poker table.
Then there’s the 2006 James Bond thriller “Casino Royale”, where the iconic spy tests his skills in a gripping poker game. And let’s not forget the 2007 improv comedy “The Grand”, where a cast of stars including Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines, and Ray Romano, add a humorous twist to their poker game.
These films, each in their own way, have contributed to poker’s popularity and have helped bring the game from the casino floor to the silver screen.
With poker’s meteoric rise to fame, it’s almost expected that it would also penetrate the video game market. As both a household and a professional-level gambling game, poker was able to strike the hearts of people of all ages. With many casinos bound by law to cater to more mature audiences only — the introduction of poker into video games was a catalyst in reinvigorating the popularity of the game among younger audiences.
From increased functionality to much smoother gameplay, the translation of poker into the language of video games has proven to be a big help in further attracting audiences to the game. Some of the top poker video games to come out since the poker boom include the World Championship Poker series which was first released in 2005 by Crave Entertainment. One of the most popular installments in this franchise is World Championship Poker 2: Featuring Howard Lederer.
Another game that hit the big time was Prominence Poker, which was published in 2016 by American developer, Pipeworks Studios, in collaboration with 505 Games, and allows players to play in poker matches with other people online. The game is available on platforms such as the Playstation, Xbox, and even PC.
Of course, the most effective form of media that poker was able to take full advantage of is the Internet. The medium opened up the game to a global audience and made it more accessible than ever before. The rise of online games has allowed poker to reach a younger demographic, while the advent of social networks has created a new platform for players to share their passion for the game.
TikTok, the video-sharing platform that’s taken the social media market by storm, has seen over a gigantic 7.5 billion views for videos tagged with #poker. Users such as Jason Ladanye, better known as @cardmagicbyjason, have amassed a huge following for their card tricks and poker tutorials. As of the latest data, Jason has around 941,500 followers and 19 million likes.
YouTube is another platform where poker has made its mark. Nathan Williams, also known as BlackRain79, is a professional poker player who shares poker tutorials and lessons with his substantial following on the platform.
Another great presence on the platform is Joe Ingram, a pro poker player, also known as ChicagoJoey, who hosts a popular poker-centered podcast on YouTube, conducting interviews with prominent poker players and discussing various aspects of the game. A lot of people have recognized his channel as the best source of poker-centered podcasts on the social media website.
In addition to social media platforms, online forums have also played a significant role in the poker community. Forums, including TwoPlusTwo and CardsChat, provide a platform for players to discuss strategies, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest news and events in the poker industry. These forums have helped foster a sense of community among poker players, further contributing to the game’s popularity.
As we touched on before, the dawn of the 21st century marked one of the biggest happenings in the history of poker. This era is now known as the “poker boom.” This period, spanning from 2003 to 2006, saw a surge in the popularity of the Texas Hold ’Em version of the game.
The advent of online poker games during this time had a profound effect on the game. Numbers-wise, the population of poker players doubled every year on the Internet during this time.
Many people also consider the poker boom as the official period in which modern poker transformed into a mainstream game.
Even though the poker boom itself kicked off in the early years of the 21st century, there were signs of poker hitting the mainstream even before that. For instance, the movie “Rounders” was released in 1998 and played a significant role in popularising Texas Hold ’Em. Around the same time, Planet Poker, the first dedicated real-money online poker cardroom, was established, marking the beginning of online poker.
The real turning point, however, came in 2003. That year, the first season of the World Poker Tour aired on the Travel Channel. Then, something incredible happened. An amateur poker player named Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event at the World Series of Poker. What made his victory so remarkable was that he’d qualified for the tournament through an $86 online satellite event on PokerStars.
His victory sparked a torrent of interest in poker, a phenomenon that’s been nicknamed the “Moneymaker Effect.” The following year, the World Series of Poker Main Event saw a player pool of 2,576 entrants, more than three times the number of the previous year. This surge in popularity and participation in poker post-2003 is often attributed to the “Moneymaker Effect.”
As the popular saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This was true for the poker boom, which even though no exact date can be pinpointed as the official conclusion, many believe concluded around October 2006.
You know, it was during this time that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was implemented. In reaction, recall that many online poker sites fled from the United States, with the departure of the leading poker website Party Poker dealing the most damage during this time.
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) experienced a significant drop in attendance in the year following the UIGEA’s implementation. The number of participants in the 2007 Main Event fell nearly 28% from the previous year.
While poker continued to have a presence after the UIGEA, the final nail in the coffin of the poker boom came on April 15, 2011. Known as “Black Friday” in the poker community, the US Department of Justice seized the domains and froze the bank accounts of several major poker companies, including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and the Cereus Network. Heartbreaking.
Yeah, the United States definitely hasn’t been too keen on the idea of online poker, but it hasn’t stopped the game from flourishing on a global scale. After all, the world doesn’t revolve around the U.S., right? There are poker enthusiasts sprouting up every day all over the globe. With that, be rest assured that poker will still survive the coming years with ease. From then until now, the fiery love for poker has not died down — in fact, the flames have just got even brighter and hotter by the minute.
Good on you for wanting to dig into the history of poker. Trust me, your future self will be patting you on the back for it. And hey, if your future self wants to say thanks, I’m saying “No worries!” in advance. The insights you’ve gained from this post might make you feel as if you’re on the verge of becoming a scholar, ready to teach a class on poker history. But remember, there’s no rush — take it all in stride.
