When Hold’em was introduced to Vegas, it didn’t get much attention from the wealthy players. This was because it was located in the “undesirable” locations of the casino, such as in unfinished areas. In 1969, a professional tournament was hosted. The tournament was located in a prime location near the entrance of the casino and attracted a large number of players. Since the game was new, the experienced poker players made bank off the inexperienced players that were a part of the tournament.

While it started out in only a few casinos, Texas Hold’em has since become one of the most popular variants of poker and is the number one game played in the World Series of Poker. The annual poker tournament started in 1969 was then taken over by Benny and Jack Binnion, and it moved to their casino and was renamed the World Series of Poker. A suggestion was made that they make the main event a no-limit Texas Hold’em tournament, which increased the popularity of the game even more. 

In 1978, Doyle Brunson’s strategy book was published, changing how the game was played. Al Alvarez published “The Biggest Game in Town” discussing the 1981 World Series of Poker and that started poker-based literature. Popularity of the game continued to soar. Texas Hold’em spread to California in the 1980s but was illegal until 1988 when the courts ruled it to be an allowable game. Some believe that it was approved because it is a game of skill and not just chance.  

Today, Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular card games. There are multiple tournaments, strategy guides, websites, books, movies and online games based on Texas Hold’em. A simple card game from Texas not only changed the gambling world but has also impacted much of popular culture. Today, Texas Hold’em can be found in any casino in Vegas and beyond!