The present and the history of poker
The most popular form of poker is Texas Holdem Poker. Broadcasted live events and internet make Texas Holdem the most popular poker variant in history of poker. Only in United States millions of people play this beautiful game of luck and skill. But Texas Holdem Poker is not reserved only for United States anymore. Texas Holdem Poker mania is spreading all around the world. Poker has never been more popular game in the whole poker history as it is nowadays both in the form of land based poker and online poker games.
History of Texas Holdem Poker
Texas Holdem Poker history is still very unclear in spite of many historicians trying to clarify it. The time, history of poker details as well as the country where Texas Holdem Poker was born are unknown. Spanish game called “Primero” is considered to be the mother of poker as we know it today. Later in poker history it developed into France (where it was called "poque") and Germany (known under name "Pochen"). Some historicians go even further than that in the poker history and claim that poker came from Persia (17th century, the name of the game was “As Nas”), Egypt (12th century, eastern derivation of this game is known as "Ganjifa" or “Treasure Cards”) or even from China where the history of poker started with the Chinese domino cards what dates back to 9th century.
In 17th century was “poque” brought by French to United States (New Orleans) where it started to spread as “poker”. The first written words in the poker history come from 1834 and were written by Jonathan H. Green in his book „An Exposure of the Arts and Miseries of Gambling“. According to him poker was very popular game along the Mississippi river and it was called „cheating game“ played only with deck of 20 cards and maximum of 4 players.
During the history of poker many variations of poker were born as 5 Card Draw that was very popular in the early poker history. Later it was replaced by more and more popular Stud and Omaha. And finally in 70ties of 20th. century came to prominence still the most popular variation “Texas Holdem Poker”. This first huge increase in poker was thanks to first World Series of Poker and other live televised poker events that were watched by thousands of spectators and poker fans. |
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The first game in history of poker
According to some historicians was the first Texas Holdem Poker game in poker history played in small town Robstown in Texas in early 19th century. This game was very fast spreading to the saloons in US southwest and was also know under name “Devil’s River” because heavy drinking and fight were part of the game back then. Later in 20ties American government was trying to ban Texas Holdem Poker but after numerous protest was the ban lifted. Reminder of this times in history of poker is the last community card that is still called “river”.
Why is it called Texas Holdem?
There are many opinions how and when in poker history was the name Texas Holdem Poker created. The most probable is that the name came from “Hold Me Darling” poker variation that was probably played in 60ties of 19th century. Name of this poker variation along with Texas, the birthplace of the modern game probably created the Texas Holdem Poker name.
The most interesting steps in Poker History
- 1822 - First American casino opened in New Orleans with poker among the casino games
- 1920s - Attempt to ban poker in United States by US government unsuccessful
- 1970 - First World Series of Poker organized by Jack Binnion in Binnion's Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas
- 1997 - Stu Ungar probably the most talented poker player in history of poker wins his 3rd bracelet but dies the following year
- 2003 - Chris Moneymaker wins World Series of Poker Main Event and takes prize of 2.5 Million, he qualified through 40 dollar satellite at PokerStars and starts internet poker revolution
- 2006 - James Bond in Casino Royale saves world playing Texas Holdem Poker no limit tournament. In original novel Bond played Baccarat. Poker reaches even wider audience, eager to learn how to play poker.
- 2006 - UIGEA Act – Another attempt to ban poker, this time online, by US government in United States
- 2011 - FBI seizing domains of gambling sites - this year experiences the strongest attack on online poker from US authorities as domains of the biggest poker rooms that accept US players were seized and some of them haven't recovered since
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Online Poker History
Oldest Poker Rooms
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Review N/A |
| Established |
1998 |
| After UIGEA was signed into law Planet Poker suspended real money play in March 2007 and operate as fun play poker room. |
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Review N/A |
| Established: |
1999 |
| Sportingbet acquired Paradise Poker in October 2004. |
| Special First Deposit Bonus: |
100% up to €500pending
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Bonus Code:
START500 |
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Restrictions: Costa Rica, United States |
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UltimateBet |
Review N/A |
| Established |
1999 |
| After FBi crackdown on poker rooms (April 2011) Ultimate Bet never recovered and most players did not even get their witdrawals. |
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Restrictions: United States |
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Review N/A |
| Established: |
1999 |
| Bwin purchased OngamePoker Network and PokerRoom in 2006. |
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| Special First Deposit Bonus: |
100% up to $1000
pending |
Bonus Code:
cas1000 |
Restrictions: United States |
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Review N/A |
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| Special First Deposit Bonus: |
300% up to $600 pending |
Bonus Code:
BEST300 |
Restrictions: United States |
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Famous Poker Players
Playing Online
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Doyle Brunson |
Playing Online At: |
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Doyles Room |
Restrictions: All Players Are Welcome |
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Chris Moneymaker |
Playing Online At: |
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Poker Stars |
Restrictions: United States |
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Evelyn NG |
Playing Online At: |
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Bodog |
Restrictions: All Players Are Welcome |
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History of Poker by Casinator.com |
