Poker is one of the most famous and widely played card games in the USA and in other parts of the world. There are many misconceptions and prejudices surrounding the game especially as it involves betting. However, there are some interesting facts about poker. 

The rules and way it is played today has evolved over time. In the present time poker is played both in person and online. In the United States the first literary reference of the game was found in the 1830s. So, it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 19th century. 

It is popularly believed to have evolved from a 16th century game known as ‘Primero’ played in Spain and Italy. Primero too involved gambling as poker. However, poker is also known to have been influenced by a number of different other card games. Persian card games like Ganjifa and French card games like Poque and Brelan are famous for their influence on poker. 

The craze and popularity of poker can be attributed to the fact that it is relatively easy to access. Moreover, it is an easy-to-learn game that has managed to enthrall players over centuries. Moreover, the online version of the game allows players to enjoy the game at the comfort of their living room. Let’s check out some more interesting facts about poker.

Fun Facts about Poker Game

Well poker is played by millions of players but very few people are aware of some unknown facts about poker. Here are some fascinating facts about poker. 

1. Poker is a Century Old Game

Poker has survived the taste of times and is considered to continue for years to come by many scholars. Even though the game evolved in the early 19th century in the United States the game has a long history. According to some scholars, the game evolved from other games that date back to 10th-century China. Others find traces of the game in other forms back in 16th century Persia. 

2. Multiple Versions

Another interesting fact about poker is that it is played in a number of different ways. Many have the misconception that poker is a single game. But the fact is that there broadly 12 types of poker game. However, there are innumerable poker types that are not known by all. Texas Hold’Em is an extremely popular variant available online. Other popular variants offered by other famous sites are Omaha Poker, Pineapple Poker, Chinese Poker and Badugi Poker. 

3. Introduction of Online Poker Game

The first online poker game was played by a small company called Planer Poker. It was launched on January 1, 1998 and played on a browser. It was a revolutionary move in poker history. Earlier to this poker was only accessible in the casinos which restricted many poker enthusiasts to enjoy the game. 

However, with the introduction of online poker betting it became accessible by everyone. Anyone could participate in the game using a computer and internet connection anytime from anywhere. Moreover, poker online tournaments were started by many online platforms. As a result, online poker has evolved as a multi-billion dollar industry. 

4. Big Historic Win 

The biggest poker prize was awarded to a non-professional player Jamie Gold in the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. The prize value of the win was $12 million. Gold won the prize against a cohort of 8,773 players. 

The next big win was recorded in 2019. Professional player Justin Bonomo won the largest single tournament cash prize in the entire history of the game. The game was played in WSOP Big One for One Drop and the prize money won was $10 million. Some of the other greatest poker players of all time are Phil Ivey, Erik Seidel, Phil Hellmuth and so on.  

It is well known that poker games can last for hours but the longest poker game lasts for eight years. Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone hosted the longest poker game. It started in 1881 and continued till 1889. Players from all over the United States took part in the game and spent days in the theater playing poker. 

Wrapping up

Hopefully the above discussed five interesting facts about poker will prove fascinating to you. Poker is one of the most consistently played gambling games across the globe. There are over 100 million poker players mostly from the USA but also from France, China, Brazil and the UK. Some scholars are of the opinion that poker can be a good exercise that teaches you decision-making skills. 

John von Neumann was a 20th century polymath, the father of the computer was also a poker player. He remarked that poker offers valuable insights of decision making and the skill to navigate life challenges strategically.