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The origin of poker is thought to be the 16th-century Persian card game As Nas, taught to French settlers in New Orleans. As Nas was similar to the modern five-card stud game, with 25 cards and five suits. In France, a similar card game called “poque” caught on and was played by French settlers in the city of New Orleans.

In the United States, poker traces its roots to the early days of French colonization. In the 18th century, French settlers brought the game to the New Orleans area, which later became part of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. The English-speaking settlers changed the word “poque” to poker.

A Short History of Poker

The origins of poker are complex. While some historians claim that the game originated about 1,000 years ago and derives from the Persian game As-Nas, others disagree. Regardless of the origin, the game has evolved over the centuries from several different games. While the exact origin of poker is unknown, historians agree that it has become an increasingly popular game worldwide.

Some believe it was first played by a Chinese emperor, while other scholars are convinced it was adapted from the Persian card game As-Nas, which used 20 cards. In both versions of the game, bluffing was a common feature. However, the game was later popularized throughout Europe after World War I. This way, the game was adapted for the modern world and became an international phenomenon.

Wild Bill Hickok

The famous cowboy played poker with a drunken gambler named Jack McCall in 1873 in Deadwood, Dakota Territory. After losing the game, Hickok suggested that McCall stop gambling and buy him breakfast. However, McCall did not take Hickok's offer and returned to the saloon, where he shot Hickok in the back of the head with a Colt 1873 Single Action Army. Though only 39 years old at the time, the story of Wild Bill Hickok and the poker history continues to shape the popular imagination of the American West. Hickok’s legacy is what we call today “the dead man's hand”: two pairs, black aces, and eights.

Poker: From Then to Now

The game evolved into the modern game we know today by borrowing elements from several other card games. During the Civil War, rebel forces used this game to win money. After the game spread to the United States, it was known as primero in Spain. It was later known as “poque” in France and “pochen” in Germany. After the Louisiana Purchase, “poque” eventually reached the United States and spread from state to state as merchants traded along the Mississippi River.

The impact of poker on American culture is undeniable. This game is a combination of skill and chance, with virtues of simplicity and versatility. It can be learned in ten minutes and has been known to endure for centuries. You can see it in movies, video games, mentioned in books, music, and other creations.

Many people find it both analytical and addictive, and its prospect of staking money on a game of skill and chance is enough to make anyone giddy. Therefore, poker's emergence in popular culture was inevitable.

In our times, traditional poker games (at the table) can now be played online, with online casino poker turning into more than a gambling matter, but a sport. 

How Has Casino Poker Evolved Over the Years?

As you probably surmised by now, poker has evolved from a game of chance to a highly competitive sport with lots of betting. Many people now prefer to play the game at home, while others will venture out to casinos on extended business trips. Today's poker players aren't the same type of players that played back in the day—they're more educated, have digital devices, and are more likely to observe their "luck" or "artistry" contemporaries.

Online Poker Has Taken the World By Storm

After the invention of gaming software such as white label poker software, Casino poker is quickly becoming an important part of modern life. Online casinos provide everything you need to make your gambling experience as seamless as possible. You can choose various games and types, from Five Card Draw to Texas Hold 'em to online and mobile apps. While traditional casinos may still allow you to play for free, almost every online casino now offers a subscription service. In addition, you can choose from various payment methods, including cryptocurrency, cards, and bank accounts. You might prefer to play online, but you should be able to play at least some games on the mobile app.

Playing poker is exciting, competitive, and fun for all players offline and online. There are many different poker games, each with its own rules, and each player's strategy is different. Play poker, and you'll never play the same game twice. You'll rarely get the same cards or odds in a lifetime of play. Poker is a versatile and complex game you can play over again against new people with new strategies and bluffing techniques.

This article was written by Alan Riggs.
Riggs has always been a gaming enthusiast and a dedicated sports fan. So it made sense for him to pursue a career in developing software for licensed betting operators. When he is not working for an industry-leading gaming software developing company, Alan writes about what he loves: software, applications, sports and eSports, gaming and iGaming, and more.