Video poker has been a popular casino game for decades, and the allure of hitting a big jackpot has kept players coming back for more. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of video poker jackpots, including some of the record wins and game-changing moments that have shaped the game as we know it today.

The Early Days

Video poker was first introduced in the 1970s, and it quickly became a hit with players who were looking for a more strategic alternative to slot machines. However, the jackpots in these early games were relatively modest, with most machines offering payouts of no more than a few hundred dollars.

As the popularity of video poker grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s, so did the size of the jackpots. By the mid-1990s, it was not uncommon to see machines offering payouts of $10,000 or more for a royal flush.

The World Record

In 2006, a player at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas hit what is still considered to be the largest video poker jackpot in history. The lucky winner, a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles, was playing a $1 progressive machine when he hit a royal flush. The jackpot? A staggering $39.7 million.

While this record-breaking win was certainly a game-changer, it also highlighted the importance of progressive jackpots in video poker. In a progressive game, a small percentage of each bet is added to a jackpot that continues to grow until it is won. This means that players have the potential to win much larger jackpots than they would in a non-progressive game.

The Rise of Online Video Poker

In recent years, video poker has made the transition from brick-and-mortar casinos to the online world. While the jackpots may not be quite as large as those offered in land-based casinos, online video poker still offers the chance to win big from the comfort of your own home.

In fact, one lucky player at an online casino hit a $1.2 million jackpot playing video poker in 2015. The game in question was a progressive machine, and the player hit a royal flush on a $5 bet.

The Future of Video Poker Jackpots

As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even bigger video poker jackpots in the years to come. Virtual reality casinos, for example, could offer players an even more immersive gaming experience, complete with larger-than-life jackpots.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional video poker machines or prefer to play online, one thing is certain: the allure of hitting a big jackpot will always be a major draw for players. So why not try your luck today and see if you can become the next big winner in video poker history?