The origins of Poker can be traced to Europe with the 16 th century Spanish card game of Primero which was adapted in both France (Poque) and Germany (Pochen). Of course, huge jackpots and prestigious tournaments have also helped project a glamorous edge to the proceedings.īut how did poker evolve in Australia, is it legal and why are there so many variations of the game? History of Poker in Australia Poker enjoys a popularity in Australia that is unrivalled by other forms of gambling, largely due to the game’s combination of luck and skill. Poker in Australia is a relatively new game but how did it get so popular? 2 Where to Play Poker in Australia: State by State.