Mobile poker on iPhone and Android has been the fastest growing sector of the industry in recent years. Thanks to advances in modern technology, along with an understanding by the poker companies about what works, you can now enjoy some of the best online poker games directly through your iPhone, iPad or Android devices. The tables you can access through your smartphone or tablet include a wide range of cash games, huge guaranteed multi-table tournaments and many Sit & Go's, suitable for all bankrolls.
With so many online poker rooms launching mobile platforms, competition is fierce. However, not all come up to expectations or are worth bothering with. Here you can discover 10 top features which the best mobile poker sites have in common.
With so many online poker rooms launching mobile platforms, competition is fierce. However, not all come up to expectations or are worth bothering with. Here you can discover 10 top features which the best mobile poker sites have in common.
1. Will It Work On iOS, Android & Windows Phone?
Due to the usefulness and affordability of high quality mobile devices, many of us own different types. For example, your smartphone may be an Android Galaxy, while you also enjoy playing games on your iPad Air.
Having sites which provide both a Android and iOS app is therefore important, allowing you to access your account on whichever device you choose.
Having sites which provide both a Android and iOS app is therefore important, allowing you to access your account on whichever device you choose.
2. Are High-Speed Poker Games Available?
Fast Folding Poker is an ideal match for mobile devices. These are cash games which add you to a pool of players. You are then placed at a random table and as soon as you fold your hand you are re-seated straight away with fresh cards.
The main advantage Fast Fold mobile poker is that you can get a ton of hands in, rather than just hanging around after you fold 72o. The games appear on all the best poker apps, under several branded names, such as Zone Poker, Rush Poker, Zoom Poker or Blaze Poker.
The main advantage Fast Fold mobile poker is that you can get a ton of hands in, rather than just hanging around after you fold 72o. The games appear on all the best poker apps, under several branded names, such as Zone Poker, Rush Poker, Zoom Poker or Blaze Poker.
3. Can I Compete In Poker Tournaments?
While tournament poker is not a natural fit for mobile apps, it is a format many players enjoy and how they were first introduced to No Limit Holdem. Top poker apps now include access to many of the sites scheduled Multi-table Tournaments, and a complete menu of SNG games.
Hyper-turbo games are a great fit for mobile poker apps, as the speed of the games means you can enjoy several Sit & Go during your lunch-break, or even a large MTT without committing too much time. Another cool mobile format are the 3-handed Jackpot SNGs, which have become very popular with the promise of a huge score off a small buy-in. Of course there is nothing stopping you playing a regular speed MTT, although with games lasting 4 hours or more, it is a good idea to keep your charger handy!
Hyper-turbo games are a great fit for mobile poker apps, as the speed of the games means you can enjoy several Sit & Go during your lunch-break, or even a large MTT without committing too much time. Another cool mobile format are the 3-handed Jackpot SNGs, which have become very popular with the promise of a huge score off a small buy-in. Of course there is nothing stopping you playing a regular speed MTT, although with games lasting 4 hours or more, it is a good idea to keep your charger handy!
4. Are There Play Money Tables Where I Can Practice?
Whether you are new to poker, or an experienced grinder, Play Money games are a great tool. For beginners it provides a way to learn the game, without risking any money, although you will find play a bit wild and crazy compared to even the lowest stakes. For experienced players, Play Money gives you a way to test out a new site or poker app, so you are familiar with the features and controls before you start playing for real money.
5. Is There A Mobile Cashier & Automatic Top-Ups?
Having access to your money is important when playing poker, no matter which platform you play on. You may need to deposit at any time to stay in a good game or take advantage of a great bonus, and you may wish to withdraw some funds when you can't get to your computer. A good poker app will therefore give you access to your funds via their mobile cashier.
Equally important is the ability to top up while you are at the table. There are few things more frustrating in poker than not maximizing your winnings in a hand, just because you were unable to top up your stack after losing a big pot in a previous one. Top mobile poker apps give you the option to top-up automatically in cash games, along with re-buying and adding on in re-buy tournaments.
Equally important is the ability to top up while you are at the table. There are few things more frustrating in poker than not maximizing your winnings in a hand, just because you were unable to top up your stack after losing a big pot in a previous one. Top mobile poker apps give you the option to top-up automatically in cash games, along with re-buying and adding on in re-buy tournaments.
6. Can I Also Play The Poker App From Any Browser?
Often you can find some of the best mobile poker apps being complimented by a mobile-friendly website. These allow you to log in and access all the same games through your browser, without needing to download any software.
These instant play poker rooms are particular useful if you are travelling in the US and the native iOS app won't work. Of course, due to your location you will have to be trying at access an offshore poker site which accepts US customers, otherwise you will be blocked.
These instant play poker rooms are particular useful if you are travelling in the US and the native iOS app won't work. Of course, due to your location you will have to be trying at access an offshore poker site which accepts US customers, otherwise you will be blocked.
7. Does This Mobile Poker Room Welcome U.S. Players?
You can now find many top mobile poker rooms accepting US players. While mobile games slowed down after 2011, with major poker sites being forced out of the US just as poker apps were becoming available, things have now turned a corner. Not only can you find trustworthy offshore sites, accepting US players, deposit methods are becoming easier and many rooms now operate mobile sites or apps.
Often these US-facing poker sites are part of large networks, with players accepted from all over the world, which increases the player pools dramatically. These sites also provide soft games, with many of them drawing non-poker players from their sportsbook and casino operations.
Often these US-facing poker sites are part of large networks, with players accepted from all over the world, which increases the player pools dramatically. These sites also provide soft games, with many of them drawing non-poker players from their sportsbook and casino operations.
8. Can I Multi-Table On My Tablet Or Smartphone?
While the ability to 20 table poker games, with a variety of tracking software, may never happen on mobile platforms, the ability to multi-table on your phone or tablet is a useful tool. Not only does to give you the chance to win more, it also helps to keep some players focused and disciplined, rather than playing hands out of boredom. You can often find good mobile poker apps allowing you to play around 4 tables at the same time, with the table popping up when it's your turn to act.
9. Does It Offer Fast Cash-Outs For US-Based Poker Players?
Now that getting money online is becoming easier, the main concern for many Americans is how they can withdraw their winnings without paying high charges, getting small bankrolls locked up with minimum cash-out limits and waiting weeks or even months for their money.
The best mobile poker sites provide simple banking solutions for USA mobile poker players, with clear terms and conditions, fast payouts and low charges. While many sites are honest operations, make sure you check the T&Cs before depositing, as these can change at anytime, and do a quick search to see if any major issues have been flagged up in different poker forums.
The best mobile poker sites provide simple banking solutions for USA mobile poker players, with clear terms and conditions, fast payouts and low charges. While many sites are honest operations, make sure you check the T&Cs before depositing, as these can change at anytime, and do a quick search to see if any major issues have been flagged up in different poker forums.
10. How Easy Are The Poker Bonuses To Claim?
New players on poker sites can often claim huge Welcome Bonuses. These normally match your first deposit by 100%, although in some cases you can get even more. All of these will include some amount of play in order to clear the bonus funds for withdrawal. Top mobile poker rooms are fair with their wagering requirements, and timeframe. So while the larger bonuses may be challenging to get, they are still possible and, with a good idea of how much you need to play, it should be easy to clear smaller amounts.
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