It is no surprise that the rise of video poker is closely linked to the rise of personal computers. Even though the first video poker machines were very primitive, their appearance in the mid-1970s helped to revolutionize the way that people play casino games and the way that casinos interact with their players. Younger players got games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man but the adults who loved to gamble were more than happy with the introduction of video poker to their lives.

One of the major firms behind the early video poker machines was SIRCOMA, Si Redd’s Coin Machines, who introduced these games to casinos in the US and further afield. The first major breakthrough game was Draw Poker, which was released in 1979. The 1980s were to be the breakthrough era of video games but it was the late 70s debut that paved the way for future success. As the 80s continued, video poker machines started to take up more space in the halls as many players found that they were far less intimidating than playing poker at a table with other players.

These video poker machines were also a huge hit with the locals in Las Vegas who were far more likely to play in the smaller local casinos as opposed to the major halls which inevitably attracted the tourists. The quick and easy nature of the video poker machines helped players to play when it suited them. With these local casinos providing more attractive odds or machines with a lower denomination, it was fair to say that these games were a winner for all players.