Mac Poker Rooms

Isn't it odd that with poker being a multi billion dollar industry with thousands, if not millions of dollars exchanging hands in online games everyday that a majority of the poker rooms available lack a client that accommodates Mac Poker users?

Well, sadly, that is just simply the way it is. Very few rooms, such as Full Tilt and PokerStars, offer a real 'native' download of their software with the majority of rooms such as Absolute or Titan Poker offering their program in a Java version. Any other room and Mac users will need to purchase 3rd party software to be able to play. This is can be a pain in the neck, but what else can you do if you want to play poker?

To get all of our hardcore Mac users on the right path we have listed our favorite Mac friendly poker sites below as well as information that you need in case you would like to play at different room that we offer that do not directly support Mac computers.

Top 3 MAC Poker Bonus Sites

1. Full Tilt Poker: Native
2. PokerStars: Native
3. Absolute Poker: Java

Mac Poker Online

As we mentioned above, Mac users have several different options when it comes playing poker on their computers. Some online rooms will offer software that is identical to the software offered for pc users while other rooms will offer a java version. The worst-case scenario would require players to purchase and install an emulator or Microsoft Windows so that they can utilize the poker room's client.

Native Software

If there were a 'preferred' method, it would be choosing a room that has 'native' software which just means that there is an actual download of the room's client. This is because a Mac user will get the same experience as a pc user with no extra programs to buy, install and run.

Great examples of rooms that have native software would include Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. Of the two, Full Tilt Poker may be a better option simply because they have had their Mac software around much longer so the possibility of having various kinks or bugs is diminished significantly.

And let's not forget that players can sign up for Full Tilt rakeback as well. At the same time, PokerStars runs quality software as well so one should expect no different from their Mac client. Not to mention that Stars ran their beta for well over a year before putting it into production. By playing here, players can take advantage of a 100% bonus on the first deposit up to $600 by using one of our PokerStars bonus codes.

Simply put, for those of you Mac users that want the same experience as pc users, then choosing a room that has a downloadable client is the best way to go, hands down.

Java/Flash Poker Rooms

Now, Java and Flash provide a happy medium so to speak, with both pros and cons.

The biggest upside to using Java or Flash programs is that players can play at their favorite room without having to download any software. All that you do is visit the poker room's site and if they offer a Java or Flash version of their software, there should be an instant play button. Once a player clicks on this, a new window will open in their browser where players can play a majority of the games offered.

Notice that we said 'a majority of the games offered.' That is probably the worst downside to utilizing a Java or Flash version of a room's software. In most cases, only about 60% to 80% the games are offered to players limiting the overall experience. And on top of that, many rooms will not allow players to multi table many tables, if at all.

Of course, all of this will vary from room to room, but it's important to keep in mind in case you prefer this method to the others. Java or Flash programs are ideal for players who do not want to make a commitment and download software or do not want to spend money on all products.

3rd Party Software

Using a 3rd party program or installing windows is the option for those of you that do not want to play at Full Tilt or PokerStars, but would still like to be able to play poker at a room that does not have a Java or Flash version.

The best option would be to use Apple's 'Boot Camp' program which will ultimately allow players to choose between running either OS X or Windows at start-up. Many online room's minimum requirements are Windows, so using this option would get you in the clear. Boot Camp is free but requires users to own a copy of Windows XP. Windows XP will cost any from $70 to as high as $200 or more depending on the version you choose.

The other option is to run an emulator which allows both Windows and OS X to run at the same time. This of course is great so that users can switch between programs quickly and rather easily. However, since both programs will be running at the same time, it should be expected that your computer run a bit slower than normal as well. Programs such as Virtual PC start at a little above $100 and are as high as $200 depending on the program you choose.

Of the two options, purchasing and running Windows would be the preferred method as you will only be running one program and it is ultimately cheaper. On the other hand, if you need to multi task using your Mac programs while player poker, than using an emulator of course would be better.

Online Poker on Mac

To ensure a great experience on your beloved Mac computers, the best option for Mac users would be to download a native client from PokerStars or Full Tilt. Users will get everything the room has to offer including all the games, software options and of course great bonuses and rakeback.