Thanks to mobile poker apps, players can enjoy real money poker games anywhere and at any time. But did you know that you have more than one option when it comes to playing poker on the go? Almost all casino operators offer a mobile web version of their site, but some also boast dedicated, native mobile apps which can be downloaded onto Android, iOS or Windows devices. The two are quite similar in terms of appearance and functionality, but there are a few key difference that set the native app option apart. Let’s take a closer look and find out why downloading a real money poker app is your best bet.
Mobile Apps Explained
Why Play Poker on Mobile Apps?
Safety
With all the poker operators on our list, you’re guaranteed end-to-end data encryption and firewalls whether you play through a web browser or native poker app. However, the latter also provides you with 2FA (two-factor authentication) which can be set up using the Google Authenticator tool or through SMS alerts. Plus, native mobile poker apps have built-in certificate pinning, further securing the connection between your device and the poker operator’s server.
Personalisation
The top mobile poker apps undoubtedly offer the most personalised poker experience you can have, no matter which operating system your mobile phone uses. That’s because the use of a native app allows the casino operator to collect data and monitor your activity. Don’t worry, there’s nothing untoward going on here – this information is simply used to provide you with an in-app experience that’s tailor-made just for you.
Notifications
Sure, you can register for daily freerolls and entry to satellite events using the operator’s mobile-optimised website. But it’s very easy to simply forget and miss out on massive poker tournaments. Native mobile poker apps deal with this problem by offering push notifications to alert you to top poker tournaments or the latest promos and bonuses. This way, you’ll always be kept in the loop.
Speed
They say time is money, so if saving a few seconds is valuable to you, native mobile poker apps are your best option. With the app installed on your phone, your next poker lobby is just a few taps away. No need to type in a web address, no need to sign in over and over again. When it comes to speed, it’s a no brainer – native mobile apps lead the way.
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Compare and choose an online poker site
First thing’s first: you’ll need to pick out a top mobile-friendly poker site. We’ve put together an awesome line up of the very best destinations for you with full mobile support. Each site features an impressive array of poker games, bonuses and promotions. Plus, you’re guaranteed a fair and safe gaming experience, as all of the gambling sites on Compare.bet are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. -
Sign up
Once you’ve weighed up your options and picked out your perfect match, simply follow our link to get redirected to a poker sign up page. Here, you’ll be able to register an account in minutes by providing a few personal details. If you’ve opted for a no deposit welcome bonus, this will be credited to your account automatically once you’ve created an account. -
Make your first deposit
Unless you’ve grabbed a no deposit welcome offer, you’ll have to transfer some money into your account in order to claim your welcome bonus funds. Our featured sites offer a good range of deposit options, including popular e-wallets Neteller and Skrill. Once you’ve made a deposit, your account will be credited with bonus funds almost immediately.
Mobile Sites
Pros and Cons of Mobile-Optimised Websites
Pros
Cons
Native Apps
Pros and Cons of Native Apps
Pros
Cons
Poker Games
Different Game Types
There are more poker variants around than you can shake a royal flush at.
So here’s what you need to know about the most popular.
Texas Hold’em
Undoubtedly the world’s favourite flavour of poker, Texas Hold’em begins with two cards dealt face down to every player. These are called “hole cards”. At this point there’s a round of betting before community cards are dealt face up in the centre of the table. The aim is to create the best possible five-card hand using any combination of your hole cards and the community cards.
The first three community cards are called the “flop”. Two more cards are added in between further rounds of betting. At this point, there’s a showdown between any players who haven’t folded. The cards are revealed, and the highest hand wins.
Omaha
Another popular poker variant, Omaha is very similar to Texas Hold’em. The key difference is that players are dealt four hole cards rather than two. They then have to select which two hole cards they want to combine with three of the community cards. Another difference is that while you don’t necessarily have to use any of your hole cards in Texas Hold’em, you must use two hole cards in Omaha.
Seven-Card Stud
It may be overshadowed by Texas Hold’em these days, but seven-card stud still holds old school allure. Each game starts with players dealt three cards: two face-down hole cards, and a third card that’s face up. After a round of betting, players are dealt another card face up. This pattern continues until a seventh card is dealt – this one face down. A final betting round commences, before the showdown where all remaining players show their hands. The player with the best five-card hand wins.
Debit Cards
While credit cards can no longer be used to bet online in the UK, debit cards remain a convenient method of depositing and withdrawing funds. The only potential snag is that maximum withdrawal times of five working days may be slower compared to other methods.
E-wallets
From PayPal to Skrill to Neteller, e-wallet services are very popular among online gamblers, with good reason. They remove the need to type in sensitive bank details whenever you sign up to a site, and withdrawal times tend to be pretty quick.
Pay by Phone Bill
Using a service like Boku, you can pay casino site deposits using only your phone number – the deposit amount is simply added to your next phone bill. Drawbacks with this method include low daily spending limits and the inability to make withdrawals.
Paysafecard
Another way to deposit is by using a prepaid Paysafecard voucher. Simply purchase it in a shop or online, then input the 16-digit PIN number to transfer the value to your account. It’s not a great method for high rollers because depositing large amounts requires players to combine multiple PIN codes, but it's still a secure way to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online poker apps allow HUDs?
HUD stands for Heads Up Display, and refers to software that compiles statistics on players’ hand histories. Using a HUD means you can get real-time data on opponents’ poker styles even as you play against them. You’ll learn whether they tend to raise before the flop, how aggressive they are, and so on. HUDs have been banned by some sites, so it’s important to check the specific policy of your chosen site if you’re hoping to use third-party apps like HUDs.
How do I win at poker?
That’s the big money question, and whole libraries of books (and blog posts) have been written on the subject. While you can wade through reams of technical commentary on every last aspect of the game, it’s crucial to remember there’s no guaranteed way to win, and the best way to get a feel for poker is to play it. Try free games till you get comfortable, go for low stakes tables as you gain experience, and never, ever chase your losses.
Are mobile poker apps safe?
As long as you choose a licensed mobile poker site, you can rest assured knowing that apps are just as secure as their desktop counterparts PC and Mac. Random Number Generators (RNG) are used across any version of a licensed poker site – whether you’re playing on your desktop, mobile web or a mobile poker app. These ensure that all cards are drawn and handed out at random. RNGs are put through frequent and rigorous tests to ensure they’re up to scratch, so you can be sure of a fair game of poker.
Are there other methods of downloading mobile poker apps?
Yes. Some poker brands have taken advantage of the faster, easier method of QR codes. Simply scan the code using your mobile device and you’ll be redirected to the download page on your platform application store. You can also download via SMS. All you’ll need to do is provide your mobile number, make a request and you’ll receive an SMS with a download link.
Why can’t I find any real-money poker apps on the Google Play store?
Google no longer lists gambling apps in the Google Play store. If you’d like to download a native app for your Android device, you’ll have to find it elsewhere or download and install via an Android Package (apk) file. Some top mobile poker sites provide detailed instructions on how to do so.
I can’t find any apps compatible with my device, can I still play mobile poker?
Yes, you’ll still be able to play online poker on your mobile device. All of the sites you’ll find on Compare.bet are mobile-friendly, so you’ll be able to visit their sites using your mobile web browser. All you need is an internet connection.
Can I make deposits and withdrawals using my mobile device?
Yes. The payment methods listed on a poker operator’s desktop site are almost always the same on their mobile web page and native app. The top online poker sites offer standard methods such as debit cards and bank transfers, as well as e-wallet options like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill. Players can even use prepaid cards too, with Paysafecard the leading option for online gamers today.
Are there any dedicated free poker apps?
While you can always head straight for the free poker games in the game library, you’ll always be playing at an online gambling site if you choose one of our recommended options. There are free poker apps available on Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store for Android devices. These apps, such as Zynga Poker, made by the developers of Farmville and Words With Friends, do not offer real money gambling or an opportunity to win real money or prizes.
Can I enter the World Series of Poker?
Players who are at least 21 years old and can afford the buy-in can enter the World Series of Poker (WSOP), but not at an online poker site. WSOP is a poker tournament that is held annually at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas.
