If you’re playing video poker, there’s about a 95 percent chance it’s on an International Game Technology machine. IGT is the only major game manufacturer involved in video poker in a big way. Former competitors Sigma Gaming and Casino Data Systems are out of business. Bally Technologies still puts video poker games on its multi-game GameMakers, but hasn’t released a new video poker product in years. New kid on the block Incredible Technologies does offer video poker, but its early inroads mostly have been with slot games.
WMS Gaming is stepping up with a product called My Poker that will launch late this year. Nevada visitors will see it first, but don’t be surprised if it shuffles into Mississippi in 2013.
Casino operators would love to see another video poker vendor carve out a niche. A little competition keeps everyone on their toes. And WMS has plenty of marketing muscle with a history of slot machine successes that include Jackpot Party, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz and the Monopoly series.
My Poker gives players plenty of choices, and the chance for some online interactivity. Provided the casino operator has the options turned on, players can choose game speed, brightness level and card positions on the screen. You can choose from a number of card styles — do you want a standard card look, western style, or a deck with big numbers and letters to make things easy on those with weakening eyesight?
You can make your choices as you play, or you can make them during free play online at WMS’ Players Life site. Those used to Players Life at the slots know they can log on in the casino to retrieve features set online. Soon, video poker players will get the same treatment.
