Poker is one of the most iconic games in the gambling world. It’s competitive and well-known worldwide. But poker’s influence doesn’t stop at the table. Over the years (and poker has been around for quite some time), it has spread to other corners of the casino floor, inspiring and shaping the design of many other games, especially online.
Some of these titles share the same symbols or basic ideas. Others adopt strategic elements or the style of bluffing and game reading that makes poker so engaging.
Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting games that carry the DNA of poker, even if they are “dressed” in another way.
Online Slots: Poker’s Distant Cousin
Let’s start with the name. In Australia and New Zealand, “pokies” is the term used for slot machines. But some of the most popular versions use symbols and themes inspired directly from poker.
These online slots often feature card symbols, such as kings, queens, aces, jacks, and more. They are not poker games in the traditional sense. Players do not choose cards or attempt to form a hand. However, the poker feel is present in the visuals and mechanics. Some games even mimic poker hand rankings, paying out higher prizes for combinations such as straights or full houses formed on the reels.
When people online pokies real money is at stake and there are many different types of games. “Pokies” has also become synonymous with slots in some parts of the world.
There are also video poker-style slot machine versions that go a step further. They combine the rhythm of slot machines with classic poker. You spin the reels, keep your best cards, and spin again. This type of game also references the strategic decision-making of poker. Video poker machines have been a casino staple for decades and are now thriving online with dozens of variations.
The game is very popular in Australia, which makes sense considering that poker is also a big thing there. Some of the top poker players in the world are Australians.
Casino Games That Share the Spirit of Poker
In addition to slot machines and video poker, there are other games in the casino world that are inspired by poker, not because of their appearance, but because of the way they are played. These are games in which decision-making and reading the situation are as important as luck.
Slots may even share some iconography with poker. The game itself is quite different and its outcome is completely random, based on random number generators, but many developers use card symbols as they are easily recognized and accepted in the casino environment!
Blackjack: A Duel of Wits
Blackjack is not poker, but it is certainly a game for those who like to think. It is one of the few casino games where strategy can make a real difference. Knowing when to hit or double down can affect the outcome. Of course, luck also plays a role.
This game is also known by other names around the world, such as “21” or Pontoon in the UK.
In poker, players read each other. In blackjack, players read the deck and the cards on the table. There is no bluffing, but there is planning. There is no betting war, but there is a rhythm of risk and reward. The need to understand the odds and act accordingly creates a strong connection between blackjack and poker in a strategic sense.
Some casino-goers even alternate between blackjack and poker tables in a single session, seeking the same kind of thrill in slightly different formats.
Why does the poker connection still matter?
Why do so many games feature poker elements? Because it works. Poker has a reputation. It feels like a smart game and has a degree of strategy. Even casual players feel like they’re playing something a little more sophisticated when there’s poker involved.
Plus, poker brings that sense of uncertainty and “what will the other person do next.” Casino game developers understand that this emotion is valuable. Whether it’s spinning and hitting three aces on the reels or making a strategic choice between two hands, poker-inspired moments keep people engaged.
Final considerations
Poker has a huge influence on the world of gambling. It’s not just about the green tables or the big tournaments. It’s this influence that spreads to other games, especially in the online world. From slots with real symbols to table games where hand strength and timing matter, the connection with poker is ever present.
As casino games continue to evolve and blend genres, it’s likely that this poker DNA will continue to show up. It adds something extra, a familiar feel, a chance to think and not just spin. And for many players, that’s what keeps it interesting.
