You can't escape from mobile poker these days - almost all major players in the industry invest heavily into their software offering and make it as attractive as possible to play on desktop, tablet or smartphone.
In fact, many players only play poker via app or instant play software. They never download the heavy casino software anymore as it's often slower than playing online with a poker app. Especially with fiber optic connections available widely now, playing online has never been faster and more lag free. On top of that you can play online from any device, anywhere where there is WiFi.
The best part: Many online poker rooms offer small tweaks and options in their mobile client which are not available on desktop. For example, certain apps allow you to play up to 4 tables simultaneously or use specific mobile only features (like swiping through your lobby). Some also have exclusive mobile offers, like for example the .
Choosing the Right Mobile Poker Platform
If you want to play poker via smartphone or tablet, you should think about what’s most important for you when choosing the right platform. Here are some factors you might want to consider before installing an online poker app on your phone:
- Usability: How easy is it to navigate? Is it easy to get an overview of your balance, the size of the blinds and the number of players at a table?: The clearer this information is displayed, the easier it will be to play profitably on a smartphone. Some apps simply port over their desktop software, making it frustratingly hard to play on mobile.
- Features: Can you filter the lobby? Are quick seat and multi-tabling possible?: These functions save a lot of time and are essential for serious players who don’t want to spend hours scrolling through tournaments or waiting stacks.
- Performance: Does the app run smoothly – even on an old smartphone?: There’s nothing more annoying than a poker client that lags constantly or buttons that take forever to react. Some apps simply require too much memory to run properly which is why older phones struggle to keep up. We tested all apps listed below on various devices to ensure they perform well across the board.
- Exclusive offers: Does the app offer any unique promotions or features?: Some operators run mobile-exclusive new customer bonuses or freerolls, giving players an extra reason to download. We highlight any special deals in our reviews.
Of course fast deposits and withdrawals are also super important if you want to cash out your winnings fast. Most good poker sites and casinos support PayPal deposits and withdrawals, which we love because it's so unbelievably easy to transfer money back and forth between your Paypal balance and your poker account within seconds and without fees. If Paypal is not supported, fast deposit methods such as Skrill, Neteller or ecopayzs are a must.
Top 10 Mobile Apps for Online Poker Games
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1. GGPoker Mobile App
Without any doubt the best poker app currently available is the one by GGPoker. Not only did they win multiple awards for their desktop software which already is in a league of its own compared to the competition, but their mobile poker app sets the industry standard now. Everything runs extremely smooth, the interface is beautiful and customizable, you can multitask (answer text messages while playing), resize the viewing window of each table, use an open hand history and replayer, take and save notes directly on top of the cards plus many more features.
You can even use bots in the background to play on multiple tables for you while you're AFK (Away From Keyboard) and they won't bump you from tournaments. Bots can also order food or do other stuff for you while you're busy - kidding! But still, the are incredibly advanced and can help you boost your earnings significantly.
casinos near sarasota floridaGGPoker also received criticism for their software in the past, especially regarding multi-tabling and high resource usage on older computers. This is no longer the case and they proved to listen carefully to player feedback and act upon it.
All About Comfort & Details
You can tell that every single designer and coder was forced to play Dota 2 on a decade old computer before joining the GGPoker team. Because otherwise it would be inexplicable how much thought they put into making sure their poker app works flawlessly on any half decent smartphone or tablet. We tested it on several iOS and Android devices and were blown away every time.
It's all in the details and GGPoker nailed it. Examples? When you receive cards in the hole, the entire screen dims out except for your hands. Nice touch! Or how about this: When you double click on a player in the lobby, all his stats and info pop up right away, saving precious time instead of digging around in different tabs.
Another great feature is the smart shortforms list, where you can add commonly used words or phrases and expand them with just one tap. Handy if you're playing in the Asian room and don't understand what people are writing all the time. Oh, and let's not forget about the in-game area voice chat which works seamlessley and helps creating a healthy competitive environment at the table. No need to switch apps to communicate with your allies.
If we have to find something negative to say about the GGPoker app, then maybe the fingerprints. Your phone will attract a lot of those bad boys after playing for some time, as there are no virtual buttons but real ones hidden beneath the interface. But that's such a minor thing and can easily be fixed by not being a dirty fingertip fingerprints whore. Kidding again.
All in all we highly recommend giving GGPoker a chance. It's not just the best mobile poker app we've ever tested, it's also the overall best poker site worldwide right now. New competitors are popping up every few months which shows how serious the business is now in Asia and everywhere else. Read more about their amazing innovations here:
UK Players not accepted.
2. PokerStars Poker App
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PokerStars is obviously trying very hard to hold onto their number one spot, but with GGPoker breathing down their necks they had to come up with ways to improve their already solid mobile app. Mission successful. The latest updates and versions of their app are extremely close to GGPoke's level of quality now.
A big plus for PokerStars is their longstanding market leadership and player traffic. It's simply a different beast playing Cash Games or Tournaments on PS instead of any other poker site. You can be pretty much certain that you always find tough opposition but also get access to the biggest games, prize pools and game variety. Speaking of which: All imaginable poker games and formats are offered by PokerStars, including their signature Sunday Million and Tennis Open tournaments.
Spin & Go's are another nice addition if you like thrilling games with the possibility to win huge prizes. Those are basically hyper speed turbo poker tournaments with only 3 players and random prize pool multipliers up to 2000x. We're talking about cash prizes ranging from $2 up to $200,000. Insane. Of course there is also iPoker (more below), which doesn't compare in volume to PokerStars but constantly improves and adds valuable features.
Easy to Use & Intuitive
We tested the PokerStars mobile app on multiple smartphones and tablets and were pleased with the results. Animations are snappy, multi-tabling works like a charm and the software doesn't hog too many resources. It looks like PokerStars learned from the past when their desktop software was bloated and buggy, causing problems for many players. Not anymore.
Casinos Worth Visiting Near Pensacola, FL - Casinos AboutThe mobile version comes also with handy features like filtering and searching for specific games, quick seating options, split-pot and four-card PLO, and the famous "wrap around" feature. What does that mean? Let’s say there are three players in a cash game. You’re in the middle and can “wrap around” and end up being first to act (under the gun) by folding, calling or raising.
One step where PokerStars still has an advantage over GGPoker are the integrated tools and HUD software. You can easily import hand histories and use 3rd party programs like Holdem Manager 3 or PokerTracker 4 to analyze your game and track opponents. A must have tool if you’re serious about making profits from the star-studded lineup of pro players on this site.
There is also a unique Spin & Go leaderboard competition where you can earn points based on the size of your wins and number of games played per week. Climb the ranks and you can get your share of millions in cash prizes and tournament tickets. Not bad for some mobile action. Read more here:
New UK players only | Napolean Game King freeroll token limited to one per player | Other restrictions apply | 18+ |
3. 888poker App
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The 888poker app is another solid option for casual players and newcomers. Multi-tabling is possible and the software runs smooth enough on most devices. We noticed that it takes a little bit longer to join tables compared to GGPoker and PokerStars but it’s not a deal breaker for us.
What could be improved is the lobby navigation and filtering. It’s not easy to find specific games or tournaments and you sometimes have to scroll through endless lists. Luckily there is a “search games” field where you can quickly enter the type of game you want to play.
One thing we loved is the tutorial system, which gently introduces new players to basic strategies and rules. Learn how to play video poker or Texas Hold’em in a fun and engaging way. There are also useful tips for more advanced topics like range reading or bluffing. Overall, a great feature for anyone who’s just starting out.
Besides the usual Cash Games and MTTs, 888poker also offers SnGs and their signature Blast Poker (formerly known as Snap Poker) which might be one of the best features for mobile players. These are hyper-fast, Sit & Go tournaments with a random flip for a chance to win up to 10,000 times your buy-in. It’s like winning the lottery, except you have some skill element involved because you start with real poker skills instead of just wishful thinking.
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No deposit needed! Simply download the app via our link, create an account and get rewarded. Furthermore, you can earn up to $880 free bonus as a new player. Just play along with your first deposit / transfer and you’ll automatically be enrolled into their rewards program. There are also scheduled tournaments and missions you can complete for extra cash prizes.
The 888poker mobile app also stands out with some entertaining mission quests where you can earn rewards and trophies. For example, “Win a pot with 5 players” or “Play 5 hours of cash games”. Nothing too difficult but it adds a gamified layer of fun to the whole experience.
UK Players not accepted.
4. iPoker Mobile App
iPoker used to be light years behind the competition a few years ago but thanks to intense development efforts they managed to catch up and release one of the smoothest mobile clients today. Some unique selling points are the massive amount of skins and traffic, followed closely by Playtech’s excellent poker software for desktops.
You might know some of the many regional networks under the iPoker umbrella like Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, PT Poker, Paddy Power or SuomiPoker. They all share the same player pool and software which means you get access to thousands of players 24/7 – any stake, any game.
Recent improvements include better multi tabling functionality and less resource usage for older devices. You should still have no problem running 4-way quad splits on your tablet, but it’s recommended to have a fairly new phone for optimal performance. The latest version also allows you to see all your opponent’s actions at once instead of having to click through each one individually. Timebank issues from the past seem to be resolved now as well.
iPoker still needs to work on the lobby design and make it easier to browse the different games and filters. Also, it would be nice to have a built-in replayer/handler history like on GGPoker, but overall we’re quite happy with this app. It’s a great choice if you prefer established skin/networks and love playing in soft recreational games. Tournaments could be a bit juicier though.
Here's the official welcome bonus for new players: Play £20 of real cash games and tournaments within 90 days of your account being created and you’ll automatically be sent a £20 bonus when the criteria have been met.
5. Partypoker Poker App
Partypoker came late to the mobile party but better late than never, right? Their developers did a pretty good job catching up with the competition and adding new features. For example, you can now play up to four tables simultaneously on a tablet. That’s more than GGPoker and PokerStars.
Unfortunately partypoker still lags behind in some areas. The software isn’t as polished as on the big screen and sometimes it feels like they forced a desktop client onto a smaller display. Still, it mostly works and you can play Cash Games and Tournaments without bigger issues. Filters are basic but at least you can search for specific games and find what you’re looking for.
On the bright side, partypoker has fantastic and innovative live event broadcasts during the WPT/WPT500/USPI World Poker Tour series, MILLIONS and the ultimate flagship event – the epic partypoker LIVE MILLIONS events. Satellites are plentiful and guaranteed smoke fence rail guns can’t buzz kill your vibe.
Also, the rakeback situation has greatly improved since they introduced the new loyalty system. You can now grind your way through 25 different levels and earn up to 40% rakeback!
All it takes is opening up the app and you’ll see your progress indicated by a fancy watch. The more you play, the higher your role and perks. Simple as that.
UK Players not accepted.
More Good Options
These five online poker apps clearly stand out from the rest, but there are some honorable mentions worth sharing as well:
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Unibet Poker App: Similar to 888poker, Unibet focuses on new player experiences and offers a generous €1000 bonus pack (including a free €12 freeroll entry) for new customers. You can play fast-fold Boost SNGs or try to qualify for live tournaments via the poker client.**
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Tiger Gaming Poker App: This is a combined review since Tiger Gaming/Chico Poker networked with former rival NowBetting/EveryMatrix. One app/client, more players and juicy games. You can read about the merger here. Highlight: Low to medium stakes action in Hold’em and Omaha.
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Betfair Poker App: Innovative cash game format called Speed Poker with wait times of only a few seconds until you’re moved to a new table with a fresh hand. Otherwise, Betfair is known for their industry leading betting exchange and racebooks. Total poker traffic usually hovers around the 500 players mark.
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Junction Poker App: Combines several strong skin brands like Sportingbet Poker, Europa Poker, WilliamHill Poker, CasinoClub, CasinoPlex and Nordic bet365. Medium sized playerpool but very soft games, particularly at lower stakes.
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Swedish Sokerbit Poker App: Due to the recent Swedish regulation, Sokerbit became the biggest poker site in Scandinavia all of a sudden. Thousands of fish fighting for money in the shallow waters. Downside: Hard to reach without knowing Swedish. Perhaps they open it up to international players soon. Stay tuned.
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French Winam Poker App: Popular poker room aimed at the French market. Offers some interesting side games like roulette, blackjack and dice. Traffic is restricted to Europe but you can play against your continental neighbors.
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Dutch PokioMoment Poker App: Similar to Winam but for Dutch players. Came out of nowhere and stole market share from Mataballs which went bankrupt in 2017.
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Polish Inaugurala Poker App: Poland’s first and currently only regulated online poker room. Available in English and Polish. Run by the state-owned Totalizator Sportowy (Sports Lottery). Most players are casual recreationals.
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Norwegian Storspaningen Poker App: Newly regulated Norwegian market entered by state-owned Norsk Tipping Lotto. Simple design, soft games. Only Norwegian players allowed.
Pros & Cons of Playground Poker Club
Pros:
- Exciting new poker project from the OGs of underground card rooms
- First phase VIP membership is FREE (save $300!)
- Construction progress is on track (Opens Summer 2021)
- Close to the US border (<1hr drive from Downtown Manhattan)
- Massive 10,000 sq ft poker room (holds 300 players)
- Direct access from the parking garage
- Plenty of high resolution TVs to place huge side bets
- Luxurious VIP booths & lounge areas [Zh]
- Top promotions & incentives; 24/7 security /-_-
Cons:
- No food service yet (but many good options right next to the club)
- No ATMs onsite, only credit cards /$ Bank transfers /-_-
Biggest AMERICA PHASE I VIP Perks
- Priority Access Line: Jump to front of line whenever you show your VIP card.
- Discounted self park: Park your car for only $5 instead of $10.
- Woodbridge Fitness Center: No Joining Fee (reg. $75) + 25% off Personal Training sessions.
- The Atrium: $25 off registration for select events. (max. 4 pax)
- Direct Casino Access: No guest cards required. Easily bring guests to direct casino entrance.
How We Tested & Compared Each Poker App
These days it seems like every other day a new mobile poker app hits the app stores. But how can you tell which ones are worth your time and money? We’ve tested dozens of apps and narrowed down the field to the absolute best. Here’s what we looked for:
Device compatibility: The app should run smoothly on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Features and functionality: We evaluated the ability to multi-table, filter lobby options, register for tournaments, and customize settings.
Security and fairness: It’s critical that the app uses robust encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial information. Additionally, it must provide a fair gaming experience through rigorous testing and auditing.
Bonuses and promotions: We compared the generosity of sign-up bonuses, ongoing promotions, and VIP programs to determine which apps offer the greatest value to players.
Customer support: Responsive and helpful customer service is crucial for a positive poker experience. We assessed the quality of support channels, including live chat, email, and phone.
Reputation and trustworthiness: We considered the track record and credibility of the company or network behind the app.
Game selection and traffic: While not the most important factor for mobile play, it’s still significant to have a wide range of games and a large player base for variety and liquidity.
Based on these criteria, we ranked the top mobile poker apps for an excellent user experience and enjoyable gameplay. Our recommendations cater to different playing styles and preferences, whether you’re a casual recreational player or a serious grinder.
Why Even Bother Using Mobile Devices for Real Money Poker?
Ever since Apple and Android opened up their app stores and made mobile technology accessible to the masses, people started asking: Why can’t I play online poker on my phone? It seemed like a silly question back then. The reality was that existing online poker sites weren’t equipped to handle the complexity of mobile platforms. Things have changed dramatically over the last decade, to the point where it would be weird if poker sites didn’t offer proper mobile apps. Actually, many players exclusively use their smartphones or tablets to grind on poker sites these days. It’s just way more convenient.
Advantages:
- Convenience: You can play poker anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. No need to sit in front of a desktop computer.
- Multitasking: Some poker sites allow you to open multiple accounts on different tables, effectively increasing your earning potential.
- Snap decisions: Certain poker formats, such as Fast-Fold Poker or Short Deck, are tailored for mobile gameplay and require quick decision-making.
- Exclusive features: Some apps offer unique functionalities, such as custom hand-strength alerts or advanced multi-tabling options.
Disadvantages:
- Smaller screens: It can be challenging to accurately judge hand strengths or analyze complex situations on a small display. However, this depends on the specific app design and your personal preferences.
- Resource-intensive: Older devices or slow connections may struggle to handle the graphics and data processing required for online poker apps. Make sure your hardware is up to date.
- Distractions: Playing poker on your phone can lead to tempting distractions, such as notifications or other apps running in the background. Self-control is key to avoiding pitfalls.
Overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for experienced and disciplined poker players. If you feel comfortable handling real money bets on a mobile device, go ahead and explore the exciting world of poker apps! As mentioned above, even desktop sites have greatly improved their mobile compatibility in recent years. You don’t necessarily have to download a native app unless stated otherwise in the reviews above.
Common Questions About Poker Apps
Q: Can I really win real money on poker apps?
A: Yes, if you play with real money in cash games or MTTs with buy-ins. Be sure to choose licensed and reputable poker sites.
Q: Which is the best real money poker app?
A: Our recommendation is GGPoker, followed by PokerStars and 888poker. However, your preference may differ depending on your playing style and stakes.
Q: Are poker apps safe and secure?
A: Legally operating online poker sites use advanced encryption technologies and strict safety measures to protect your personal and financial data. Do your research on licensing and regulations.
Q: Can I play on a poker app for free?
A: Many poker apps offer play money games or freeroll tournaments for beginners or casual players. This is a great way to learn the basics and have fun without risking real money.
Q: Can I get an app for Iphone and iPad?
A: Absolutely! Most major poker sites have dedicated apps for iOS devices, which you can download from the App Store. Check if your chosen operator offers one.
Q: Can I use an android poker app outside the USA?
A: Yes, there are many popular international poker apps compatible with Android devices. However, self-exclusion and responsible gambling tools may vary by jurisdiction.
Q: Should I tip the dealer on poker apps?
A: While not mandatory, it’s common courtesy to tip the dealer a small amount (e.g., $5-$10) at the end of a session or when hitting a big jackpot. It shows appreciation for their service.
Q: Can I stream poker apps on twitch?
A: Streaming yourself playing poker on Twitch is permitted, provided you adhere to the platform’s terms of service and any relevant age restrictions. However, promoting real-money gaming to minors is prohibited.
Q: How to transfer money on poker apps?
A: Deposits and withdrawals are typically handled through secure payment methods such as credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Follow the site’s instructions and verify your identity.
Q: Who controls the poker app shuffle machine?
A: The random number generator (RNG) is a sophisticated algorithm that ensures fair card distributions and replaces the physical shuffling of a deck. It’s regularly tested for integrity.
Q: Where can I find the best poker app for ipad?
A: Look for well-reviewed operators on trusted review websites or ask for recommendations from the poker community. Consider your preferred game variants and traffic levels.
Q: How to update poker apps?
A: Automatic updates are usually enabled by default on your device. We recommend keeping your app up to date for bug fixes, performance improvements, and added features.
Q: Do poker apps have more fish?
A: It depends on the time of day and specific variants/stakes. Generally, mobile games may attract a wider range of players due to convenience, but desk players are still present.
Q: Can I play online poker in California?
A: Yes, if you access a poker app outside of California’s IP restrictions. However, using sweepstakes models (e.g.,
