Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, loved by both casual players and passionate gamblers. It's a good bet that you've heard of it, but do you know the history behind this classic card game?

While poker has been most popular among casino attendees, it is also known by card game fans all over the world. It can now even be played at home without physical cards with the help of online casinos, like the one you can access on the Luxury Casino Login page. Read on to learn a short history of the game and some of the most famous names in the field. 

Origins and Early History 

Poker has been around for centuries and has had a long history in America. It dates back to the 19th century, when it was first played by Native Americans and then later by settlers who traveled westward from Texas and Louisiana into California. However, this version of the game’s origin is not final, with many researchers arguing that it may have Persian or French roots. 

The earliest known reference to poker comes from English actor Joseph Cowell’s description from 1829. After that, it was mentioned in the 1837 edition of Foster's Complete Hoyle. In the course of the 19th century, the game spread across the US, gaining more popularity at the beginning of the 20th century.

First Competitions

Professional poker players have been around for just as long, with the first tournaments drawing considerable crowds.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) began in 1970 as a small satellite tournament at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The first incarnation was a small gathering that took place at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. It was only meant to last one day, but because it was such a success, they decided to make this an annual event. 

It wasn't until 1972 that it became an annual event, but by this point, people from all over were competing against one another for thousands of dollars in prize money. Now, it’s one of the largest poker tournaments in history—with more than a million entrants each year.

The formation of the World Series of Poker may have further cemented professional poker players into the public’s consciousness. The WSOP has inspired other notable tournaments that have come after its creation: The European Poker Tour, Asia Championship of Poker, and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour Macau Grand Prix all share some similarities with their predecessor, but also offer unique challenges to those who participate in them.

Poker Hall of Fame

In 1979, Benny Binion, designer of the WSOP, introduced an idea that all serious players could aspire to – induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Binion’s idea was to create a place where people could go and see the greats of the game. The thought that there would be an official list of players who had done something great in their careers was foreign and exciting at the time.

A number of professional players have made history by winning multiple WSOP bracelets. Some of the most notable multi-bracelet winners are Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, and Phil Ivey; all three have won more than 10 bracelets each.

In addition to these three legends, there are many other players who have been able to win multiple WSOP titles throughout their careers. For example: 

• Erik Seidel won nine bracelets between 1992 and 2021; 
• Daniel Negreanu won six bracelets between 1998 and 2013; 
• Barry Greenstein won three bracelets in 2004-2008.

Conclusion

Poker has a rich history resulting in the Poker Hall of Fame as a way to honor the best and brightest players. There are many great professionals who deserve recognition for their contributions to the game we all love so much. Now that the game is easily accessible to everyone in their homes, whether you want to watch tournaments or play it yourself, you can join the development of its history and follow professionals in their successes. 

Sexuality and athletics are inextricably linked. Throughout history, many black athletes have come out as gay or shown their support for gays. Their unapologetic commitment, courage, and commitment have made them social icons. They give much-needed visibility and voice to the members of the black gay community. A study by Magrath has shown that many active athletes who identify as gay are shown tremendous support and acceptance by society. Although we only know of a few black gay active athletes, there's a sea change of acceptance for black gays thanks to the increasing number of folks showing gay support in the industry.

1.   Wade Davis II

Wade Allan is a writer, speaker, activist, and former football player. Nine years after the end of his career, he came out as gay. Wade shared his fears of being out while still nurturing his football career. He was always cautious with his actions and words, worrying about his teammates ever finding out his orientation.

The perspective on the community changed within the industry since Wade retired from his career. Although acceptance by the community isn't at its peak, Wade is working hard to improve it. Davis believes that everyone is responsible for creating a gender-equal and equitable world. He started working within the NFL to create a safe environment for gay players, served as an LGBTQ surrogate for President Obama, and globally addressed matters surrounding sexual orientation in different capacities. Wade insists that who you date shouldn't matter in sports.

You can clearly see throughout the best black gay dating sites that his impact positively affected the black gay community. So many gays see Wade as a role model and inspirator. Thanks to his proactive stance, thousands of black football stans can now use dating sites and social media to come out as gay and proudly date other guys without fear of being judged.

2.   Seimone Augustus

Seimone is a real pioneer in basketball and was destined for greatness as a child. She realized her potential and abilities as a young lady in Minnesota. Before retiring in 2020, she had earned a legacy by winning three gold medals in one of basketball's greatest dynasties. She came out in 2012 and was supported by her family but not her community. That motivated her to become a vocal champion for LGBTQ rights and marriage equality in athletics. She speaks freely of her sexual orientation journey and openly expresses her support for gay stars.

She is a forward thinker and an outspoken and unsung activist in favor of the gay within the athletic industry. Working as an assistant coach in LA Sparks, she aims to create a safe space for LGBTQ players and lead them to find the solace and freedom they need.

3.   Jason Collins

Collins is a retired professional basketball player who came out as gay in 2013 while still active in the sport. For the 13 seasons he played in the NFL, he served as a center. The reception of his sexual orientation revelation was primarily positive, making him the face of a long-awaited gay movement in athletics sports. 

After retiring, he became a vocal LGBTQ equality advocate. He has inspired young gay players to embrace their sexuality and identity.

4.   Fallon Fox

Fox is a retired Martial Artist transgender fighter who knows what the rumors' focus is and what hearsay feels like. Fallon was born male but now lives as female. Although Fox is still transitioning, she is the first MMA fighter to come out as transgender. She was five when she first wore a dress, and it felt right. She tried keeping it a secret for years, but eventually, her truth came out. 

The sailing became less smooth with the bad reception by her parents. She has tried fighting her way through transgender rights and as a martial artist. It gave her the confidence to voice her support for gays and to participate in LGBTQ pride walks.

5.   John Amaechi

John is a British-American psychologist. He played in the NBA before retiring in 2007. After his retirement, he hit the headlines for coming out as gay. As an organizational psychologist, he inspires transformative change for gay clients. John is also a NY Best-selling author, a sought-after public speaker, an executive coach, and a CEO in favor of gays. He has recently inspired gay Premier League footballers to come out by helping them feel comfortable in who they are. 

Conclusion

Sports stars in any field want to be remembered for who they are and what they accomplished, not their sexual orientation. Although many players have chosen to live their truths, it does not make them deviant from any other straight player. In the past, identifying as gay in the sports world would be a huge risk to a career. The scene is slowly changing, with more LGBTQ supporters declaring their stand. We hope that in the future, many more gay athletes will come out publicly, and it will be more of the opening of floodgates compared to the current trickle. In the meantime, we have these inspiring examples that have helped many males to accept themselves, get involved in online dating websites for black singles, and enjoy their lives without looking back.

Didn’t we type this last year?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Quarterback, Tom Brady, announced on his social media that he is retiring as an active player.  Brady made the same announcement last year, only to recant weeks after, but following Tampa’s first round playoff bounce, this seems like it will stick.

Arriving as a sixth rounder from Michigan in 2000, Brady took over as the Patriots’ starting Quarterback early the season after following the injury to the incumbent QB, Drew Bledsoe.  Brady would go to the Pro Bowl, and take New England to their first Super Bowl win.

Over his nearly two-decade tenure as the Patriots' starting QB, he would not only win six Super Bowls but bring them to four others.  With New England, Brady was a four-time Super Bowl MVP, Brady won three AP MVPs, and went to the Pro Bowl fourteen times, with three years as a First Team All-Pro.  

Brady stunned the world when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving Bill Belichick behind, and leaving fans wondering if he could win without him.  All doubters were proven wrong, with Brady winning his seventh Super Bowl and fifth Super Bowl MVPs, breaking his both of his existing records.  After two more playoff years and a 15^th Pro Bowl Selection in 2021, Brady’s career is now over.

Brady leaves the National Football League as the all-time leader in Approximate Value (326), Quarterback Wins (251), Pass Completions (7,753), Passing Yards (89,214), Touchdown Passes 649), Playoff Pass Completions (1,200), Playoff Passing Yards (13,450) and Playoff Touchdown Passes (89).

Brady is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028, and will enter immediately on his first ballot.  With T.J. Watt already retiring, we have a potentially loaded 2028 ballot. 

We wish Tom Brady the best in his post-playing career, but he won’t need any luck from us, as he already has a multi-million dollar broadcasting job waiting for him.

Thank you, Tom.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has put forth one of the most diverse group of nominees for the Class of 2023, and let’s get right into who they have nominated:

A Tribe Called Quest is nominated for the first time, and should the Alternative Hip-Hop group get in, it would open the doors for many of their ilk.

Cyndi Lauper receives her first nomination since being eligible in 2009.  With a barrage of 80s hits, and an activist legacy that plays well to the voter base, this is a great ballot for her, as only Kate Bush falls close to her category.

Iron Maiden collects a second nomination, but the Heavy Metal gods face an uphill climb as the voters have shown that they do not care for their genre.

Joy Division/New Order are in for a combined nomination, which greatly improves the chances for all parties in question.  This is not unprecedented, as the Hall previous nominated and inducted, as the Small Faces and Faces were put forth together.  Neither group has been nominated before, and this first nomination could be their only one as this is a very strong candidate.

Kate Bush earned her fourth nomination, and no artist has enjoyed more of an interest in her music over the past twelve months with her song, “Running Up That Hill” featured on Stranger Things.  Cyndi’s appearance on this ballot, could delay Bush one more time.

George Michael receives his first nomination after being eligible since 2010.  The mastermind behind Wham!, had a monstrous solo career generating five number ones as a solo, and two more as a duet (one with Aretha Franklin and one with Elton John).  This would be a posthumous induction, as Michael passed away on Christmas Day, 2016 from heart disease.

Missy Elliot is nominated in her first year on the ballot, and should she get in, she will be the first female rapper inducted.  Generally, we try not to equate everything to gender, but the above fact makes her a near-lock for induction, but we have had similar thoughts before.

Rage Against the Machine received a fifth nomination, and now fifth in the last six years.  Will RATM get in this year, or does Soundgarden siphon off some of their votes?

Sheryl Crow is also a first-time nominee.  Eligible since 2019, Crow was very successful in the 1990s with many hits, but she may not have the influence factor to get over some of the other artists here.

Soundgarden is now a two-time nominee, the first coming in 2020.  The Seattle group could cancel out RATM, and arguably this is a bad ballot for both.

The Spinners return with another nomination, their fourth overall and first since 2016.  Could the Philly Soul pioneers play spoiler?

Warren Zevon is nominated for the first time after being eligible since 1995, and it a long time coming for the acclaimed Singer/Songwriter.  We have seen before how the voting body reacts to a first-time nominee who has eligible for 20 years, but he is not the only one with that credential here.

The White Stripes are in the same camp as Missy Elliot, as they are nominated on their first year.  This is the type of group that the Hall drools over; successful, influential, a tad eccentric and polotically in tune with their ideals.  

Willie Nelson finally got his first nomination after decades of eligibility, and following Dolly Parton last year, does this not feel like Willie is getting in?

The Class will be announced on a date yet to be determined.

We would like to congratulate the 2023 nominees for making it to this step.