Best Real Money Poker Apps & Mobile Poker Sites

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Sep 16, 2024 23 min read Last updated Oct 31, 2024

How do you know which apps are the best for playing online poker? How do you decide which real money poker app you should play on? Numerous factors exist in the decision-making process, including game variety, player traffic, user-friendly interfaces and feature-rich tables, secure banking options, and top-tier customer support.

On this page, you'll find everything you need to download the best poker app for free and play real money mobile poker with a deposit bonus.

Find Your Real Money Poker App:

• Top 5 Online Poker Apps
• Who Reviews Real Money Poker Apps at PokerNews?
• Best Poker Real Money Apps for US players
• Top 3 Online Poker Apps by Country
• How Does PokerNews Review Poker Apps?
• The Best Free Poker Apps
• Best Mobile Poker Apps FAQs

Whether you're looking to play real money poker or improve your skills with free games, the right app can significantly improve your gaming experience. This comprehensive guide will cover the top online poker apps, key features to look for, and essential security and player safety tips.

Who Reviews Mobile Poker Apps at PokerNews?

PokerNews is made up of a team of experts who are vastly experienced in all things poker. Many PokerNews members are tasked with reviews, but the three who reviewed the best real money poker apps for this article are:

Matthew Pitt: Matthew has 16 years of experience in the poker industry and has worked for PokerNews since 2010. Matthew has seen online poker sites come and go and has played at most of them.

Will Shillibier: Will joined PokerNews as a freelance journalist in 2015 before joining the team of full-time staff in 2019. Since then, Will has climbed to Managing Editor of PokerNews.

Calum Grant: Calum has been part of PokerNews since 2021 but has written for several high-profile poker websites before then. A keen online and live poker player since 2017, Calum loves putting poker apps through their paces.

Top 5 Online Poker Apps

In 2024, most major online poker rooms have dedicated mobile poker apps. You can download these apps directly from the online poker room's website or by visiting the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Which five mobile poker apps does PokerNews rate as the best on the market? PokerStars, GGPoker, WSOP, BetMGM/PartyPoker, and 888poker is the answer.

PokerStars – Overview, Features, and Reviews

Since its launch, the PokerStars mobile poker app has undergone dozens of updates, each bringing a raft of improvements. No mobile poker app out there looks as professional as PokerStars' offering; it is almost a carbon copy of the site's desktop client. There is much more to the PokerStars mobile app than how it looks.

First, PokerStars mobile poker app players can play the largest portfolio of poker variants compared to any other mobile poker app user. In addition to the ever-popular Texas Hold'em and Omaha, the PokerStars app enables online poker players to play cash games and tournaments in Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, Omaha Hi-Lo, 2-7 Single Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, Razz, H.O.R.S.E, and 8-Game. None of PokerStars' rivals' game choices come close to matching this extensive list.

As you would expect from an industry leader, the PokerStars mobile poker app is a poker player's dream to use and navigate. Everything is super responsive, from opening the dedicated cashier with a wealth of banking options to sorting the tournament lobby into games you want to play.

Those reading this article who like playing multiple tables simultaneously will be delighted to learn that multi-tabling is possible on the PokerStars mobile poker app. You can play up to four tables at once (five if you use an iPad).

PokerStars is available in hundreds of countries worldwide. Head to the PokerStars website using your mobile device, and you will be prompted to download the mobile poker app if it is available in your jurisdiction. Conversely, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store; if you can download the app, it is available to play where you are.

There are separate apps for online poker players in the United States. Currently, PokerStars is available in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Although PokerStars is available in Canada, you can only play on PokerStars Ontario if you live or are located within Ontario's border.

WSOP – Overview, Features, and Reviews

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is poker's longest-running tournament series; it first occurred in 1970 and has run annually ever since. Being the most recognizable name in poker, it makes sense that the WSOP has an online poker room and accompanying mobile poker apps.

The WSOP mobile poker app is available for Android and iOS devices, including the popular Apple iPad. The app can be downloaded directly from the WSOP website or by visiting the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, you can either create an account or log in with an account you already have on the WSOP desktop client.

The biggest draw of the WSOP mobile poker app is the ability to play in WSOP bracelet and circuit ring-awarding events. These events are exclusive to WSOP customers, giving you an even better chance of becoming a WSOP champion.

Remember how we said our reviews are open, honest, and transparent? Well, we must inform you of a couple of things. First, only Texas Hold'em is available on the WSOP mobile app; pot-limit Omaha could be coming soon but is currently unavailable. Furthermore, it is only possible to play one table at once on this poker app.

Currently, the WSOP only operates in the United States. Each state has a dedicated desktop client and mobile poker app to enjoy. Check out WSOP Michigan, WSOP Nevada, and WSOP New Jersey. While you must be physically in these states to play the respective cash games and tournaments, all the WSOP sites and apps enjoy shared liquidity, meaning you can play against WSOP Michigan players in Nevada and vice versa. This shared liquidity leads to busier cash games and larger tournament prize pools.

888poker – Overview, Features, and Reviews

The 888poker real money app puts all of the 888poker desktop software in the palm of your hand. Available for Android and iOS devices, either directly from the 888poker website, the Apple App Store, or the Google Play Store, you can take the 888poker mobile poker app with you wherever you go.

Cash games, tournaments, BLAST jackpot sit & go, and 888poker's Snap "fast-fold" poker are available on the poker app, although only Texas Hold'em is available right now. You can play 888poker's popular mystery bounty tournaments anywhere, so long as you have a mobile internet or WiFi connection.

888poker's excellent Poker 8 software powers the mobile poker app, making it fast, responsive, and pleasing to the eye. You can play up to four tables at once, each stacked on top of the other; it is easy to switch tables with a quick finger tap. Although it is a shame that Pot-Limit Omaha is not available on the 888poker mobile poker app, there is not much PLO traffic on the desktop site, so you're not really missing out.

888poker is available across Europe, South America, and most of Canada. Following 888poker's withdrawal from New Jersey in June 2024, 888poker is not available to play in the United States. Additionally, residents or visitors to Ontario, Canada, must download and use the 888poker Ontario app.

BetMGM/PartyPoker – Overview, Features, and Reviews

We have grouped BetMGM with partypoker in this part of our review for reasons that will soon become apparent. PartyPoker is one of online poker's biggest and longest-running brands and was once the biggest in the world. Although PokerStars and GGPoker have since overtaken PartyPoker, it is still a huge online poker site with one of the best mobile poker apps on the market.

The tech team at PartyPoker revamped the mobile poker app in 2020 and has continually updated it with new features since. Everything about the PartyPoker mobile app is designed to be played in a one-handed, portrait layout like how most people naturally hold their mobile phone. Action buttons are within reach of your thumb, and the responsive app responds almost instantly when you tap any of the buttons or slide to reveal a new table.

The BetMGM/PartyPoker mobile poker app allows you to play Texas Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha cash games, the desktop client's full range of multi-table tournaments, and the site's SPINS jackpot sit & go tournaments. In addition, all the player-centric features from the desktop software are present and correct on the partypoker mobile poker app, down to emojis and throwables; it's like a home from home.

Up to four tables can be played at once. The tables are stacked on top of each other, and you can easily switch between them using the mini table at the top of your device's screen.

The reason we have grouped BetMGM and PartyPoker together is that Partypoker's software powers BetMGM (and Borgata Poker, for that matter), including the mobile app.

PartyPoker is available worldwide, although there are some countries where the online poker giant does not operate. If the PartyPoker mobile poker app does not appear in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for you, you are located in a country where the software is unavailable.

PartyPoker has a presence in New Jersey, and has its own software and apps there. Residents of Ontario, Canada, can play at partypoker Ontario. Additionally, BetMGM Michigan, BetMGM New Jersey, and BetMGM Pennsylvania are were the site operates in the United States, while BetMGM Ontario operates in the Canadian province of Ontario.

GGPoker – Overview, Features, and Reviews

GGPoker was established in 2014 and initially focused on the Asian online poker market. It expanded into Europe in 2017 and is now a powerhouse in the online poker world, offering its services worldwide. Today, GGPoker has the busiest cash game traffic and the largest selection of multi-table tournaments.

As you would expect from the largest online poker room in the world, GGPoker has dedicated mobile poker apps for Android and iOS devices. While poker variants are limited to Hold'em, Omaha, and Six Plus Hold'em, no other poker site has as many cash games, Sit & Go, and multi-table tournaments running simultaneously at GGPoker.

Many poker players rank GGPoker's desktop software as the best in the business, and that continues through its mobile app. The GGPoker mobile app is like a mini version of its desktop client, complete with all the same features, including auto top-up, throwables, rabbit hunting, and more.

Additionally, GGPoker has a lucrative partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which allows it to host WSOP bracelet-awarding tournaments. In turn, this means you can become a WSOP bracelet winner while playing tournaments from your favorite mobile phone or tablet; how cool is that?

GGPoker is available in over 100 countries. Head to the GGPoker website using your mobile phone or tablet, and download the mobile poker app from there. If you can download it, you can play it. Alternatively, visit the Google Play or Apple App Store to see if the GGPoker app is available in your country.

Residents and visitors to Ontario, Canada, must download GGPoker Ontario due to local licensing rules and regulations.

Top 3 Real Money Poker Apps for U.S by State

Online poker in the United States is regulated at the state level, meaning the best apps vary depending on where you live. The number of states offering regulated online poker continues to increase. Currently, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are regulated and legal. However, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and West Virginia do not yet have an online poker site operating there.

Here are the top 3 online poker apps available in key poker-friendly states. Each offers a legal, secure, and enjoyable gaming experience.

Best Poker Apps for US players

Michigan

Online poker was legalized in Michigan in 2019, and the first online poker room launched in January 2021. Although the Michigan market is still in its relevant infancy, the Wolverine State has some impressive mobile poker apps to choose from.

• PokerStars MI: PokerStars has the best mobile poker app in Michigan and by some distance. In March 2023, PokerStars Michigan began sharing traffic with PokerStars NJ, creating an even larger player pool. Throw into the mix a 100% up to $600 welcome bonus, or $150 of free play for new customers, and you have the recipe for online poker heaven.
• BetMGM Poker MI: This online poker room is famous for its generous welcome bonus, which includes a free $25 no deposit bonus when you create a free account, and a 100% up to $1,000 first deposit bonus. BetMGM Poker MI has a reputation for soft cash games and tournaments, too.
• WSOP MI: Similar to PokerStars MI, WSOP MI shares player traffic with WSOP NJ, meaning busier cash games and bigger tournaments. WSOP MI also shared traffic with WSOP NV. Start your quest for WSOP bracelet glory with a 100% up to $1,000 first deposit bonus.

Nevada

Unsurprisingly, Nevada was one of the first states to legalize online poker; the gambling capital of the United States did so in 2013.

Currently, only the World Series of Poker has a real-money online poker presence in Nevada via the WSOP NV software and mobile poker apps. However, thanks to a shared liquidity pact, WSOP NJ shared player traffic with WSOP Michigan, and WSOP New Jersey.

New Jersey

The Garden State of New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize and regulate online poker and casinos. Several established online poker sites have operated in New Jersey since 2013. They include:

• PokerStars NJ: Known for its strong reputation, vast player base, huge choice of poker variants, and frequent tournaments, PokerStars NJ is the online poker app for many New Jersey residents. New customers depositing with the code "STARS600" can claim a 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus. Alternatively, they can receive $150 in free play for playing a single poker hand. The $150 of free play is made up of tickets and bonuses placed in your account over a week.
• partypoker NJ: Offers regular promotions, weekly cashback, soft cash games and tournaments, and a juicy welcome bonus. New customers receive a 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus released in 10% increments as you play real money poker. New players also receive $25 worth of free play on top of their welcome bonus.
• WSOP NJ: Play in WSOP bracelet-awarding events from the comfort of your home. Do so with a massive welcome bonus worth up to $1,000. WSOP matches your first deposit 100% up to a maximum of $1,000.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized online poker in 2017, and the market has grown ever since. Some of the best online poker apps for Pennsylvania residents include:

• PokerStars PA: New players can choose from a 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus, or $50 of free play after they play one hand of real-money cash games. PokerStars is the biggest online poker site in Pennsylvania, offering a massive choice of poker variants and formats, all available on the mobile poker app.
• WSOP PA: This is the only mobile poker app where you can play for a coveted WSOP bracelet or circuit ring from the comfort of your home, or on the move if you have a data connection. WSOP PA offers one of the largest welcome bonuses in the Keystone State, a 100% up to $1,000 first deposit bonus.
• BetMGM Poker PA: Pennsylvanians should also consider BetMGM Poker PA or Borgata Poker PA; both mobile poker apps use the same software and share player traffic. At BetMGM Poker PA, you can help yourself to a 100% up to $1,000 welcome bonus, receive $75 of tournament tickets for free, and earn rewards you can use at MGM Resorts-owned brick-and-mortar casinos and properties.

Each app mentioned above is fully licensed and regulated in its relevant state. This means you can download the mobile poker app or play on the desktop client, knowing you are not breaking the law and playing online poker in a safe and secure environment.

Other US States

Unfortunately, online poker is not legal, licensed, and regulated in every state. If your state is not mentioned on this page, you can still play legal online poker, but not for real money. Mobile poker apps like Global Poker, PokerStars Play, and the Play WSOP app are excellent free-to-play poker apps for you to try until real-money online poker becomes available.

In late September 2024, the World Poker Tour announced it will launch ClubWPT Gold, an online poker room using a sweepstakes model similar to Global Poker. WPT expects ClubWPT Gold to launch in early 2025 and be available in 46 states (excluding Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and Washington) and all Canadian provinces except Quebec.

Be aware that regulation discussions regularly occur, so expect more states to regulate online poker in the future. Stay tuned to PokerNews to keep up-to-date with the ever-changing online poker landscape in the United States.

Top 3 Online Poker Apps by Country

Online poker is globally popular, and different countries have access to a variety of top-tier poker apps. Here are the top 3 online poker apps by country, offering legal and feature-rich platforms for players worldwide.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has strict licensing laws, as stated by the UK Gambling Commission. If an online poker site offers its services and its mobile poker app to UK residents, you can bet your bottom dollar that they are 100% legit. Some of the most popular poker apps in the UK include:

• 888poker: Known for its soft cash games and tournaments, 888poker is massively popular with UK residents. New players from the UK can a £50 bonus for a £10 deposit when using the bonus code "GET50".
• PokerStars UK: UK players must download PokerStars UK software and app. It is exactly the same as the dotcom client, but there are a few business-related differences behind the scenes. UK players can claim a 100% up to £400 welcome bonus when using the bonus code "STARS400".
• PartyPoker: It feels like PartyPoker has been around forever as it is one of the longest-running online poker rooms. The poker app has a substantial player base in the United Kingdom, most of whom have claimed a 100% up to £400 welcome bonus that also comes with £100 worth of tickets.

Canada

Canadian players can enjoy many online poker sites and apps to play real-money poker. However, Canadians living in Ontario can only play against fellow Ontarians. This means they must download the relevant Ontario-specific app. At the time of writing, 888poker Ontario, BetMGM Poker Ontario, GGPoker Ontario, PartyPoker Ontario, and PokerStars Ontario have specific Ontario apps.

Those of you not from Ontario may want to consider playing at:

• GGPoker: Start your online poker career with a 100% up to $1,000 welcome bonus. GGPoker has a partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP), meaning you can win bracelets and circuit rings while playing on the GGPoker mobile poker app in Canada.
• PokerStars: One of the biggest names in Canadian poker, PokerStars has everything you want from a poker app. From busy cash games and big tournaments to a 100% up to $600 welcome bonus for new depositing customers.
• 888poker: With a reputation for hosting the softest games in the online poker world, 888poker is immensely popular with Canadian players. The fact new players receive a free $8 and then a 100% match up to $1,000 welcome bonus is just icing in the cake.

Australia

Real-money online poker is not permitted in Australia. Any operator offering real-money poker to Australians is unregulated and breaking the law. Thankfully, there are some superb free-to-play poker apps to enjoy if you live "Down Under."

• PokerStars Play: PokerStars Play offers superb free-to-play cash games and tournaments in addition to casino games, including slots. No real money changes hands, making PokerStars Play legal in Australia.
• Play WSOP: The Play WSOP app is the official social poker application of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Play cash games and tournaments where you can win virtual WSOP bracelets and rings, all without risking a penny and while staying within Australian laws.

These apps offer excellent poker experiences for players worldwide, adhering to local laws and preferences.

How Does PokerNews Review Poker Apps?

When we review poker apps, we have an extensive checklist that we go through to ensure we leave no stone unturned. Our top priority is to ensure our mobile poker app reviews are impartial and honest so that you know what to expect when you download them to your device. We will let you know what a poker app does well. We will tell you that if it is lacking in a particular area. We want you to enjoy playing poker on an app, and you will only do that if you receive complete and transparent information.

Our reviewers download the poker app to their mobile phones or tablets, noting how streamlined the process is. We then focus on numerous factors, including the user experience, ease of navigation, design quality, and the app's performance across different devices.

Once the aesthetics are out of the way, our attention turns to the games you can play. Does an app only offer Texas Hold'em and Omaha, or are other variants available? Is there a good selection of cash games and tournaments on the poker app? Are there any glaring differences between the poker app and the online poker site's desktop software?

We also evaluate the app's security features, including encryption protocols, before contacting the online poker room's customer support team to see how quickly and efficiently they answer our queries. In short, PokerNews does all the hard work so you can download your chosen mobile poker app and immediately start playing without worrying about any hidden extras or potential issues.

User-Friendly Interface

Having a good selection of cash games, tournaments, and promotions is all well and good, but they count for nothing if the user interface is not up to scratch. You want an app that is fast and responsive, doesn't stutter or crash, and where the buttons and shortcuts are intuitive. Being able to navigate an online poker app easily and quickly should be high up on your list of wants and needs.

Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses and promotions can add some significant value to your poker sessions. They can turn losing weeks into winning ones or winnings weeks into spectacular ones! Most online poker apps offer a welcome bonus to new customers. These bonuses differ in size and come with site-specific terms and conditions.

Perhaps look for a poker app with plenty of ongoing promotions once you have released your welcome bonus. These promotions are potentially lucrative and can add a layer of excitement to grinding online poker.

VIP Programs and Loyalty Rewards

If you plan on focusing your attention on one site, look for online poker mobile apps that offer loyalty rewards or VIP programs. Loyalty rewards like cashback or a store where you can exchange loyalty points for tickets and cash can make all the difference to your bottom line. If you play online poker somewhere, you may as well squeeze as much value out of it as possible.

Multi-Table and Quick Play Features

Many online poker players only play one table at a time, but plenty of grinders like to play two, three, four, or even more tables simultaneously. Not every online poker mobile app can run several tables at once. If you are a multi-tabler, opting for a poker app that allows several tables to be played at once makes sense.

Game Variety (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, etc.)

Every online poker app offers Texas Hold'em because it is the most popular poker variant worldwide. If you prefer playing a different game, such as Pot-Limit Omaha, make sure the mobile poker app offers this game. Don't waste your time signing up for an app and verifying your identification only to discover your favorite games and formats are unavailable.

Device Compatibility (iOS, Android)

Today, most online poker sites develop apps for both Android and iOS but that has not always been the case. Android is the most popular mobile operating system globally, so online poker sites often release new features for Android before iOS. Check the reviews to ensure all your desired features are available on your mobile device's operating system.

Player Traffic and Tournaments

It is easier to find a cash game if a poker app has many players. Similarly, tournaments have larger prize pools if the site enjoys plenty of traffic. More players means more choice, especially if you play outside of peak hours. Conversely, sites with low traffic can result in frustration because you may struggle to find a game that is running.

Real Money and Free-to-Play Options

You have likely found this page as a real-money online poker player, but having a poker app that offers real money and free-to-play options is worthwhile. You may want to try a new strategy or a different poker variant without risking your bankroll; free-to-play games provide this chance.

The Best Free Poker Apps

Many free-to-play online poker apps exist, and some are very popular. While these apps do not offer real-money online poker cash games and tournaments, they have bustling, vibrant communities of poker lovers who play online poker for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.

Some apps, like the Play WSOP app, run huge tournaments where you can win virtual WSOP bracelets and rings to display next to your avatar and alias. Others, like Global Poker, operate using a "sweepstakes" model where you can exchange the coins you win for real prizes.

If you live in a country of jurisdiction where real money online poker is not available, PokerNews suggests you check out the following free-to-play poker apps.

Play WSOP App Overview, Features, and Reviews

Play WSOP is the official social poker app of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). It offers round-the-clock cash games and tournaments in all shapes and sizes, which you can play without risking a single cent. While it is possible to use real money to buy more of the virtual currency Play WSOP uses, you may never need to because of in-game promotions that award bags of this currency.

Why is this Play WSOP a good app?

• Play mobile Texas Hold'em and Omaha games
• US players can play
• Countless tournaments and cash games
• Lots of daily missions to win free chips

Global Poker – Overview, Features, and Reviews

Global Poker is available in most of the United States and Canada and is the only free-to-play poker app where you can win real prizes. Global Poker uses two currencies for its games: Gold Coins and Sweep Coins. Sweeps Coins can be used to participate in promotional play games to win further Sweeps Coins, which are redeemable for real prizes.

Global Poker has busy ring games and some of the biggest tournaments found in the free-to-play realm. The Sweeps Coins tournaments can be extremely profitable. Some of the key Global Poker features include:

• Redeem Sweep Coins for real prizes
• Huge tournament series
• Win Global Poker merchandise
• Play Texas Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha ring games and tournaments
• No need to download any additional software

PokerStars Play – Overview, Features, and Reviews

PokerStars Play is one of the best free poker apps you can install on your mobile phone or tablet. It is a free social poker game from one of the biggest names in online poker. It lets you play Texas Hold'em, Omaha Poker, and thrilling casino games without risking a single cent of your hard-earned cash.

Poker cash games and tournaments run 24/7 to cater to online poker players worldwide. Play poker for free in stunning locations like Monte Carlo, Macau, Paris, and Las Vegas, all while making friends at the virtual felt. The poker games at PokerStars Play are as realistic as their real money equivalents because the software's Random Number Generator (RNG) is Gaming Labs certified, meaning billions of hands have been determined to be 100% fair by an independent source.

Some of the main reasons to play at PokerStars Play include:

• Play Texas Hold'em and Omaha Poker cash games and tournaments for free
• Frequent promotions, including free poker chip bonuses
• State-of-the-art casino games included
• Compete with players around the world
• Available in Australia and the United States

Best Mobile Poker Apps FAQs

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