Entirely browser-based and accessible via Safari at their website, the app does have one major difference compared with their rival apps, with both Bovada Poker and BetOnline Mobile offering their full roster of games to players from Apple devices. ACR’s mobile product is very limited when it comes to game type (at least for now): there’s only one mode to choose from – Jackpot sit & go’s.
The number one online poker room in the US, Americas Cardroom, has followed the trend of its competitors in Bovada and BetOnline by providing mobile and tablet support for iPhone users.
Entirely browser-based and accessible via Safari at their website, the app does have one major difference compared with their rival apps, with both Bovada Poker and BetOnline Mobile offering their full roster of games to players from Apple devices. ACR’s mobile product is very limited when it comes to game type (at least for now): there’s only one mode to choose from – Jackpot sit & go’s.
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Costa Rican based Ignition Casino & Poker is no stranger to helping players whose countries have not allowed online gambling to get their action at their site. The operator formerly known as Bovada has only served players in the United States, but is now moving to another market where a government has left players with few other options. This time, it is Australia that will be given the opportunity to play at Ignition Casino and Poker.
Australia had its ability to play online poker taken from it thanks to the Interactive Gambling Act of 2016, which banned players from online poker among other forms of online gambling. This led to many worldwide poker sites fleeing the country by no longer allowing Australians to make deposits or play for real money. Fortunately, Ignition's experience in serving players in similar situations makes it easy for Australians to follow a similar path. The game of poker is continuing to rise in popularity, being played by millions of people around the world each day. Its growth in recent years is largely due to its widened accessibility, created through the development of mobile poker apps which have made the game readily available to smartphone and tablet users alike. The App Store on iTunes is now awash with real money poker apps which can make deciding where to play a difficult task. To help you out in your search for the finest felt in online poker, below we have compiled a list of the seven most important things to look for in an iPhone poker app. 1. Fast, Secure & Reliable ServiceIf you are looking to play poker for real money on your iOS or Android device, you will want to make a deposit at a reputable site that is known to provide a safe and efficient service. Make sure that you choose a mobile poker room which is fully licensed and regulated so you can be confident that your money is being looked after by an authorized, legal site. You also want a poker app which provides fast deposits and withdrawals, because there is nothing more frustrating than depositing at a site and gearing up to hit the tables, only to find that you have to wait around for your payment to be confirmed. Another must is that the app you are using should offer customer support through e-mail, phone or live chat so that you can speak to someone directly if you are having any problems with the poker client. 2. High-Traffic Mobile Poker SiteIf you are playing poker on your iPhone, you want to be able to get dealt hands and experience some action wherever you are, whenever you like. Because of this, it is best to choose a poker app that is popular and boasts a large player pool so that you don’t ever have to sit at a table and wait around for a game to get started. Also, the popularity of an app is a great indicator of its quality – if a site is regularly used by a large amount of players, it is for a good reason. Selecting a real-money app which is available to Android and Windows Phone users as well iPhone players can be a smart decision for this reason.
Just before 2013 turned into 2014, Carbon Poker finally released the iOS version of its poker client (which they had been beta-testing since March 2013) with a promise of “Every Hand, Every Device”. Because Carbon Poker deftly sidesteps US regulations by having an Antigua & Barbuda license, and iTunes regulations by making their poker client browser-based, they allowed US players to play at their table via the iPhone app. The app offered No-Limit and Fixed-Limit Texas Hold'em poker in full ring, 6max, and heads-up games as well as SnGs and MTTs. In May, US-based players were given an alternative when Bodog Poker released their version of an iPhone app, also based on HTML5. The Bodog app allowed for cash games, plus their version of fast-fold poker (called Zone Poker) for Hold'em, Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi/Lo. 888Poker Release "Instant Play" Web App For iOS In May, The 888 group released a new version of their mobile app for iPhone and iPad in order to circumvent the restrictions imposed upon them by iTunes. Apple only allows real-money gaming apps to be hosted via iTunes if they are downloaded in territories where online gambling is legal. The new version of 888's poker app was written in HTML5, meaning it could be played via the Safari or Chrome browser on iOS-enabled devices. United States players were still restricted from playing though. 2014 has been a huge year for Apple's flagship product, not least of all the release of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6+ in September. The larger, 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens brought the iPhone closer to the size of smaller tablets, making game-play on the iPhone much easier than with the smaller screens of previous models. Read Money Mobile Poker Arrives In The USA Poker players in the United States of America now have 2 option for real-money mobile poker. They can play cash games at Ignition Casino or BetOnline Mobile. Sky Poker Add Apple TouchID To iOS Apps Also in May, Sky Poker announced the release of their first ever iOS-based poker client, again written in HTML5, although only at first for the iPad as some customisation of the app was required to make it playable on the iPhone's smaller screen. Additionally, only ring games could be played via the app. Reviews of Sky's new app were largely positive, citing the ease of play on the iPad, and the vivid, crystal clear graphics. The app also included the ability to stream the SkyPoker TV Channel. In November, Sky announced that they were the first Poker site to make use of the iPhone's 'Touch ID' (fingerprint recognition) to login to their app. iPhone & Android Poker Sites Accept Bitcoin Payments So, what will 2015 bring? As our world becomes increasingly virtual – with virtual stores, virtual gaming and virtual communications becoming evermore prevalent, surely it is only a matter of time before we all become users of virtual currencies in order to fund our virtual lifestyles. Bitcoin is slowly becoming increasingly popular as the internet's version of cold, hard, cash. Using Bitcoin does not require the intervention of financial institutions as bitcoin transactions are sent peer-to-peer, which is the virtual equivalent of handing someone a five pound note. Ladbrokes are the latest big name to attempt to grab their share of the burgeoning mobile poker market by releasing a dedicated poker app for iPhone and iPad users. The app can be downloaded via the Ladbrokes poker site poker.ladbrokes.com, or from the iTunes app store. Ladbrokes released this app in September 2014, replacing their previous version of a mobile poker client, which they discontinued in December 2013 when they decided they were to leave the Microgaming Poker Network in favour of joining Playtech's iPoker network instead. The app allows poker players to chuck in their chips whilst out and about, as long as they can connect to Wi-Fi or a reliable 3G/4G signal. The app is free to download and install, but you will need a Ladbrokes poker account to actually play at Ladbrokes poker rooms. You can create a Ladbrokes poker account within the app if you don't already have one, and you can control your account on your mobile device, both depositing and withdrawing funds. Ladbrokes' new app is currently available in English only, and allows real money play both at the regular Ladbrokes tables, and at the Speed Poker tables, which is Ladbrokes' version of fast-fold poker. You need to be in the UK or Ireland to be able to play poker via the app. The iOS app is a Ladbrokes-skinned version of the iPoker mobile client that was first offered by Winner Poker a year ago. This is opposed to the browser-based HTML5 version offered by other iPoker network members such as PokerStars, although both versions of the app do look very similar. Currently, only cash games – both normal play and fast-fold play – are available to play via the app. There are no Sit & Go games, or tournaments, multi-table or otherwise. The app does allow you to pay multiple tables at the same time, although on smaller mobile screens this is only achieved with a fair amount of difficulty. Ladbrokes makes a bit of noise about this being the only mobile poker app in the UK that allows players to fund their accounts via PayPal. All the usual promotions and VIP schemes can be accessed via the app, including Ladbrokes' current new player bonus, which is a 200 percent first deposit bonus up to a maximum of £1,200. This bonus is then released in chunks of $5 for every 170 status points a player earns, at the rate of ten points for every $1 of rake generated in ring games, or in tournament fees if playing using the PC app. When at the tables, the app is a little “avatar heavy”, which leads to a very cluttered screen if a lot of players remain in a hand. The app looks a lot better on the iPad as it does on the iPhone, thanks to the greater amount of space. If you're a Ladbrokes poker player, then installing this app to your iPhone or iPad is a no-brainer. As long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi or 3G/4G connection, you'll be able to see a few flops and bluff garbage with your fellow poker fans while you're away from your PC or laptop. Finding the softest poker games to play can be a skill within itself. Table selection is now such a massive part of the game that many would suggest that it’s ruined online poker, but in all honesty, it’s just brought another dimension to the ever evolving game.
The iPhone has brought about new challenges in the hunt for some of the softest poker games. The mobile device means that you can’t include a Heads Up Display (HUD) onto your phone which gives you limited ways in which you can spot the poorer players at the table. It’s essentially taking a trip back to the old school where you had to watch and study each hand then evaluate how someone has played. It’s a much harder skill to acquire, for sure, but done correctly can be one of the most profitable tools in your poker armory. Your ego need not apply A saying that has been thrown around the poker industry for a number of years now is “To be the best, you need to beat the best” and by this it essentially means that you need to play the better players in order to improve. In all honesty, we think this statement couldn’t be further away from the truth. The freedom which poker gives you and the opportunity to choose when and where you play means that you don’t actually need to sit with the better players. The game is all about making money and you do this any which way you can. In fact, it could be argued that making a concise effort to avoid the better players will mean you make more money as you won’t be playing against people who are fundamentally solid. This all ties nicely in with the iPhone as the number of poker rooms and even dedicated mobile poker rooms are continuing to increase. A wider range in games means that picking out weaker players will be easier and in turn, the opportunity to win money will increase. Features of soft iPhone apps Deciding which app to play on isn’t always going to be the easiest decision, especially as the number of mobile poker apps is increasing by the week. What you will likely have to do is a lot of trial and error before finally coming to the conclusion of choosing an app you are happy with. It’s essentially all about choosing the one which is going to have the softest games, but it’s also got to have features which suit your needs such as a solid connection, good design and reputable wallet. A good place to start is with apps that have been highly advertised on TV and in other areas. These generally aren’t just generic poker rooms, but they are often companies with large advertising budgets so are able to do this. This will attract a huge range of recreational players as they simply won’t know any different. Companies such as Ladbrokes are two companies that immediately spring to mind and both include poker apps to boot. Not only are they both huge recognisable brands, but they are both also highly linked with both sports betting and casino players meaning this will often include a good mix of just generic gamblers as well. A great place to look when searching out some of the softer iPhone poker apps is with ones that include a lot of additional extras. By this, we mean things that will attract players to the table, but in reality a seasoned poker player will know that these features actually make not one bit of difference. A good example of this would be of someone such as PKR who were one of the first companies to include a 3D poker experience via their mobile app. This will offer up a different playing experience than most poker apps and in turn will attract players to that interactive feel that’s on offer from PKR. The animations, tricks, table demeanours and countless other interchangeable features adds depth but not any actual change to the poker playing experience. Things to avoid As with anything, there are always things to avoid, and mobile poker is no different. In fact, we only have one thing to avoid in the industry and that comes in the form of Poker Stars. Now don’t get us wrong, PokerStars is an amazing poker site and their app is pretty brilliant as well. But, if you are on the lookout for the softest mobile poker games, and as you are reading this we assume you are, then PokerStars is definitely one to miss. What PokerStars has done over the years is have the monopoly within the industry and essentially gets pretty much every poker player who is anyone playing there. The company probably have about 70% or more of the entire online community playing there, with a large percentage of these guys being pretty good. They attract players who are playing a high volume of hands at a good standard. Granted, there will be weaker players mixed in there, but the majority of players will be more than capable making the games extremely tough. Thanks to a new 888 software release, you can now play cash games or sit and go tournaments from the browser of your iPhone or iPad in any country, apart from the United States. Previously, 888 poker for iOS was only available for download from the iTunes App Store in a limited number of countries. The new version can be played from the Safari or Chrome browser of any iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android (Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Motorola) or Windows Phone (Nokia Lumia) device. To start playing from the browser of your tablet or smartphone, just create an account at 888 and then browse to 888 on your mobile handset. QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE NEW 888 POKER iOS WEB APPLICATION The graphics are fairly plain with an uncluttered layout. This is always a good design plan when you have to play on a small screen. The fold, call and raise buttons start at the bottom left of the screen and move over to the center. For non-limit games there is a slider on the bottom right where you can increase your bet. It has icons or buttons that allow you to quickly do 1/2, 3/4 or pot sized wagers. One neat feature included is the listing of your current best hand just above the fold icon button. While this is not a big deal most of the time, even seasoned players can occasionally misread a hand or the board, especially when fatigued, and the location of this feature makes it easy to double check your hand before folding. The settings icon is toward the top left of the layout and the cashier icon button is located on the top right. You can choose from a wide range of colorful avatars to represent your player at the table. Once you log into your account you can choose from three tabs; beginners, cash or sit & go. Or you can click on the cashier icon toward the top right or go to practice play icon button just below the yellow cashier button. Choosing a game requires a different system than most mobile poker apps. You use sliders to choose number of players, stake and game type. While this makes it quick and easy to join a game, it does force you to play against whoever happens to be at the table. In other words, you really don’t have any way to shop for a table full of weak players. Joining a sit and go tournament also uses a slider system. You choose between 2, 6 or 9 players, normal, turbo or super turbo speed and then a buy in amount. Once you have made all of your choices you simply hit the play icon button. The only possible downside is that only Texas holdem is available at this time. While some mobile apps do have games beyond Texas holdem available, they rarely have enough players to fill a table, so 888 has chosen to stick with the most popular poker variation to make sure active games are always available instead of disappointing players who can’t get a game started. Need more information? CLICK HERE to read our full review of the 888 poker app for iOS and Android. Wearable poker apps for devices like the Google Glass or Apple iWatch have actually gained plenty of publicity in the poker world over the past few weeks, as many people began wondering whether this kind of technology will allow live players to take advantage of specialized tracking software, which was previously available exclusively to desktop-based players. Fortunately, devices of this kind have plenty of less controversial uses and might even allow us to play poker on the go without having to carry a smartphone or tablet.
Wearable Poker Games for the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Apple iWatch Smart watches such as the Galaxy Gear from Samsung or the iWatch from Apple also hold some potential when it comes to providing poker tracking utility in live games, but unfortunately the screens of those devices simply don’t seem to be large enough to allow anyone to actually play the game with any degree of comfort. Even modern smartphones sometimes have problems with mimicking the complete functionality of desktop-based apps due to limited screen real estate. In the end, following a simple full ring game on the screen of you smart watch would probably be impossible unless the software developers came up with some ground-breaking solution when it comes to presenting the situation at the table. Google Glass Poker Apps Could Already Be In Development Aside from being the most convenient and obvious device for a live poker HUD app, Google Glass may be an excellent platform for a mobile poker app. In fact, many software developers have already started to work on games for Google Glass – and if that wasn’t enough, the products usually comes bundled with a number of pre-installed mini-games. Unfortunately, it’s somewhat hard to tell how practical a full-ring poker client would be for the limited screen real estate of Google Glass. After all, many modern variants of poker are exceptionally fast-paced and require you to assess the situation at the table at a glance, which might be hard to replicate on a first-generation wearable device. PKR is best known for its cutting-edge poker software, which allows you to experience amazing three-dimensional graphics both on your desktop and mobile phone. However, the three-dimensional mobile package weights about 400MB (Read the full review here), which makes it extremely hard for some players to join the action on the site. In response to the numerous calls for a lighter poker option, the company has recently released a much smaller, 50MB two-dimensional client, which cuts down on eye candy while maintaining the complete PKR mobile functionality. Downloading the Android app is possible as long as you have 3G icon at the top of your display, which means that you’ll be able to grab the slimmed down version of the app pretty much regardless of where you go. Quite obviously, the visuals can’t really compare with those of the three-dimensional version, but this also means that the app will run even on slightly outdated systems. The available poker variants include No Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo. Furthermore, the new client retains the Sit & Go support, which makes it an excellent choice for all kinds of single-table tournament enthusiasts. However, much like the fully fledged three-dimensional client, the app doesn’t allow you to join the PKR Multi-Table Tournaments and doesn’t support multi-tabling. The company already stated that those features will be introduced in future updates. Whether this update will be applied both apps at once remains to be seen, but it is quite likely that PKR officials are going to prioritize their flagship three-dimensional product. PKR POKER 2D FEATURES
Both 888 and Party Poker recently won a license allowing them to once again provide online and mobile gambling services to United States citizens living in the state of New Jersey. While this may look like a huge victory for both companies, it could yet prove to be a massive head ache. To allow players to play on their mobile device, they must first make sure that they are in the state of New Jersey (or other licensed state). An easy way to do this is by what’s called geo-location, which essentially works the same as your sat-nav but working out where you are from satellite signals sent by your phone. HTML5 iPHONE POKER APPS GAIN POPULARITY But there is a way around this for some mobile poker rooms. The integration of HTML5 to aid in the design and assembly of poker apps means that you are essentially playing via your web browser on your phone, which doesn’t require you to be in a specific state. Basically, goverments won’t be able to tag your location when you are playing Texas Hold'em, blackjack, slots roulette using any of these apps. Carbon Poker recently used this technology to great affect when they launched the world's first USA real-money iPhone poker game. It’s going to be interesting to see just how many online poker rooms turn down this route for their mobile apps. Not only does HTML5 offer a version that doesn’t need geo-location to activate it, it also allows developers to make just one app for each platform, massively reducing costs. Our opinion is that gambling apps that require geo-location will fail in the long term for the following reasons.
While some poker players will always prefer to play by the rules, many others will opt for convenience first and choose global iPhone poker sites like Carbon Poker.
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