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Poker
is the name of a card game whose origins remain largely unknown.
Some historians believe that poker may have come from another game
called 'As Nas', which was played in Persia during the 16th century.
Alternatively, it is also argued that poker may have been created
in China as far back as 900 A.D. However, everyone seems to be in
agreement that poker is a gambling game that seems to have been
around forever.
Poker
has a history of being played in America's first casino that was
located in New Orleans in 1822. From the very first game, poker
was played with a lot of bluffing and gambling, and the game was
often rife with cheating. Accordingly, poker has become synonymous
with legends from the 'Wild West' where gambling didn't take place
until you had your gun at the ready and your back to the wall!
During
its early days poker was played with only 20 cards. The game increased
to a 52-card pack during the 1830s. It is believed that this addition
was to encourage more gambling players, extend the 'flush' and have
enough cards left over for the 'draw'. During 1875 the 'wild' card
appeared and along with it came the recognition of the different
poker variations including Jack Pots, Stud and Draw.
By
the 20th century, poker was a gambling game played throughout the
world. However, it wasn't until the United States first legalized
gambling in 1931, that the casino became an official part of the
gambling landscape.
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