There are few card games that are as widely recognized all around the globe as poker. One of the reasons for poker’s popularity is the game’s ability to combine both luck and skill in a given scenario. The quality of the game was rewarded with longevity and relevancy, making it a popular option even for modern-day players.

Poker Origins and Digitization

Theories as to the origins of poker are plentiful. Some claim that the game originated over a thousand years ago in China, whilst others state that it is the successor to the Persian As Nas.

What researchers typically agree on is that our modern understanding of poker was created in the USA sometime in the 19th century. Regardless of how it started, we know that its popularity grew beyond the confines of the physical realm and straight into the online world through digitization.

Thanks to this progress, we can now find poker and its variants via websites all over the world, and while poker may have started in the East it is available to play in virtually every corner of the globe. At  Australian online casinos, different terms might be used, such as “pokies” to refer to slots, but poker games have spread to this continent and many more. For those not familiar with such platforms, they are the digital alternative to brick-and-mortar casinos. Here, one will find all the same table games and pokies a casino player might expect along with some fun additions.

This process has allowed the game to remain relevant in an era where if services and products don’t go digital, they may as well cease to exist. Moreover, it has introduced the game to a wider audience, as younger generations tend to go for more convenient options rather than be forced to leave the house and commute to a local casino with limited opening hours.

The Evolution of Online Poker

When poker was first brough into the online realm in the late 90s, the graphics were a far cry from those we are familiar with today. Now, it is hard to find a poker game on a reputable platform that doesn’t have hyper-realistic graphics and will often mimic elements of real life play.

However, this was seemingly not enough for online casinos who decided to take online poker to the next level with other innovations. And it ended up being a fruitful endeavor that worked to the benefit of online poker players and the casino alike.

This was achieved by making it much more convenient for users to access the platform and games. From PCs to tablets to smartphones, gamers can play both from home and on the go with ease, as long as they have an internet connection.

One of the most impressive aspects of poker evolution is the sheer number of variants available online. This is all thanks to the fact that the digital realm doesn’t have the same storage limitations as the physical one, allowing more room for growth.

The most recent addition to online poker is cryptocurrencies. Currencies like Bitcoin now can be used as a payment method to enjoy online table games, including, but not limited to, poker. This option comes with plenty of benefits when compared to traditional payment methods, such as faster and cheaper transactions that are also more secure and anonymous.

The Future of the Game

When it comes to online poker, after reading all of the aforementioned, one might question how much further it could progress. Well, the answer is that there is no actual limit, as it depends on technological advancements. And as it seems, the field of technology is not going to stop any time soon from producing mind-boggling creations.

One possible addition to online poker that could add to the immersive levels is the implementation of virtual reality (VR). A player could be instantly transported to a virtual casino directly from the comfort of their homes, combining the charm of brick-and-mortar and online casinos, all by donning a VR headset.

This would allow them to interact with others and enjoy the game as if they were in an actual casino. While VR headsets are still not in mainstream use, this could change as they become more affordable for regular Joe and Jane.

Alternatively, augmented reality (AR) could be the next possible step in the evolution of poker. AR typically relies on gadgets like smart glasses or devices like a smartphone that will project an image over a person’s current environment.

It might be hard to picture, but it is already used in various games. As such, in a few years, a poker player could be sitting in their gaming room, and instead of seeing an empty desk, they’d see the cards being dealt to them virtually.

Conclusion

Poker is probably one of the most interesting games that have been created, both in origin and gameplay. And, as technology continues propelling forward at break-neck speed, we can expect that online poker will follow closely by. Whether one goes in with a set strategy in mind or would prefer going with the flow, it’s never a bad day to go for a quick session of online poker.

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