Poker's Complicated History. In contrast, the history of poker is more complicated and entwined with American culture. Its origirummy new app 51 bonusns are found in a number of European card games, such as the German game Pochspiel and the French game Poque. The game arrived in America in the early 1800s, especially along the Mississippi River, where riverboat gamblers played it. Modern Poker's Ascent.