Best Poker Apps 2024

While lots of online poker players still download the full poker software platform to play on a laptop or desktop computer, more players are moving their poker action to real money poker apps on their smartphones or tablets.

This goes especially for recreational or casual poker players who jump on a poker app for a few hands while on their way to and from work or play a few Sit & Go’s (SNGs) while they’re out enjoying the weekend.

While social poker apps are a popular subcategory in the app store (think Zynga Poker), on this page we focus on the best downloadable poker apps that let you play both free and real money online poker.

Best US mobile poker apps

What are the top US poker apps?

What apps should you consider for real-money poker? Here are some of the best poker apps for NJ, PA, MI and NV. Click the download link to claim your bonus and register an account. Check the table below for more on each app.

App	iPhone/iPad App	Android App	States Available	Details
PokerStars	$150 in Bonus Play	$150 in Bonus Play	MI, NJ, & PA	As good as it gets. Best poker app with many of best features of PokerStars' signature poker software. Great for Spin & Gos & Zoom (Fast-Fold) Poker
WSOP	Up to $100 in bonus play + 100% up to $1,000 on deposit (Bonus Play not available in NV)	Up to $100 in bonus play + 100% up to $1,000 on deposit (Bonus Play not available in NV)	MI, NJ, NV, & PA	Signature poker brand with much-improved app. Best way to access official WSOP satellites & real gold bracelet events. Only intra-state-shared player pool
BetMGM Poker	Claim up to $75 in tickets	Claim up to $75 in tickets	MI, NJ, & PA	Skin of the partypoker network with branded MGM app but shared player pool. Not as well developed as partypoker but easy to access casino and sportsbook also.
partypoker	Up to $1,000 on deposit	Up to $1,000 on deposit	NJ	Fully revamped app now offers a growing lineup of MTTs, SnGs and Jackpot SnGs. Speed Poker also a big hit and perfect for app play.
Borgata Poker	Claim up to $75 in tourney tickets	Claim up to $75 in tourney tickets	NJ & PA	Skin of the partypoker network with Borgata branded app but shared player pool. Not as well developed as other apps but easy to access casino and sportsbook from both.

There are numerous poker apps in the “social gaming” category in the app store, but real-money poker apps are different. These poker apps are a slimmed-down, easy-to-use version of the full online poker client you would typically download for your computer.

Unlike social poker apps, these apps allow you to put real money on the line in your poker games. It can be as small as pennies per hand, of course, but also run all the way up into the hundreds and thousands for buy-ins if you prefer.

Most of the standard poker games you love (SNGs, MTTs, etc.) are available on a poker app, although the lobby and functionality are tailored toward mobile players. That means a slightly condensed game menu and simple-to-use features for betting and gameplay.

You don’t have to play for real money on these poker apps, either; they also allow you to access all the standard play-money games offered on any online poker site. Either way you can still claim a no deposit bonus of $20-$30 at most poker apps just for creating a new account

Where can I download poker apps in the US?

Currently, five states offer legalized online poker apps. Legalization has been done on a state-by-state basis since Black Friday in April 2011. Legal online poker states are:

• New Jersey online poker
• Pennsylvania online poker
• Nevada online poker
• Delaware online poker
• Michigan online poker

Online poker in West Virginia was legalized in 2018-19, but real-money poker apps or poker sites are yet to go live. The five active states above adhere to a completely legal and regulated online gaming framework. Just like brick-and-mortar casinos and poker rooms, online poker platforms, including apps, face strict regulation and oversight.

1. PokerStars app: $150 in bonus play in MI, NJ, & PA

PokerStars is famously the largest poker site in the world and is available in MI, NJ, & PA. However, these are all “fenced-in” markets, meaning player pools are exclusive to each state. Pennsylvania has offered a large pool of players since going live in November 2019.

PokerStars is known for its great software, and that applies to the poker app experience as well. The app is available for iPhone and Android phones & tablets and offers an easy-to-navigate lobby when looking for a tournament, cash game or another option (Jackpot SNGs, for example).

The actual gameplay on the app is also a strong point. You will find smooth movements for betting and raising. Tiling between a game and the lobby is simple. Simply put, PokerStars offers a great mobile gaming experience.

You can get in all the best promotions and major tournament series on the poker app and access the ultra-popular Zoom Poker games. Another strong suit for PokerStars is its range of online Omaha games, which you can’t find elsewhere. You can’t, as of yet, play poker online with friends with the Home Games feature on the app, but it is likely to come soon.

PokerStars also offers a seamless transition between its sportsbook and PokerStars casino gaming.

Available: MI, NJ, & PA

2. Partypoker/BetMGM Poker app: Up to $1,000 on deposit/$75 in tournament tickets

Partypoker is available in New Jersey and is also a leader in the online poker industry. The site also offers access to its casino for those who might also enjoy some slots, blackjack and more.

The partypoker app is easy to use and straightforward. Finding a cash game, tournament, Sit & Go or Fast Forward poker game (partypoker’s speed poker variation) is easy. The app is uncluttered and finding deposit, promotions and bonus information is also simple with a menu located at the top left of the screen.

In New Jersey, BorgataPoker and BetMGM Poker also function as partypoker skins and feature the same ease of use. Their poker apps make use of the same player pool and offer qualifiers to live events at the Borgata and other partypoker series.

Both BetMGM Poker and Borgata Poker as now available in Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well, although they do not share a player pool with each other (or New Jersey) yet.

Available: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania

3. WSOP app: Up to $100 in bonus play + 100% up to $1,000 on deposit

The WSOP app is available in MI, NJ, NV, & PA. It is the only operator offering a shared liquidity pool with players.

The WSOP app and poker client are based on its partner 888poker’s software. You will find that the WSOP app offers a nice landscape view of all the action. The lobby options are visually appealing, and it’s simple to scroll among cash games, sit and go’s, and scheduled tournaments.

Finding a game and registering is quick. Tapping for raises and betting is smooth and simple. You will discover that WSOP.com is an easy and enjoyable experience.

With shared liquidity, WSOP.com generally provides larger player pools, prize pools, and payouts. The site also offers online bracelet WSOP Circuit events and live WSOP event qualifiers.

Available:MI, NJ, NV, & PA

Apple iPhone and iPad poker apps

WSOP.com, partypoker, and PokerStars offer an iOS app for iPhone and iPad users with great functionality. Downloading each of them is quick and straightforward.

You can also create an account and deposit in a matter of minutes on all iOS platforms. The lobby for online poker is generally compact and easy to toggle among game types.

If you’re ready to download a poker app for your iPhone, use the links above to take advantage of the excellent sign-up and deposit bonuses.

Android poker apps

The poker apps above are also available to Android device users as well. You should find similar gameplay and options as seen on the desktop version, but in a similar platform as the Apple offering.

As the Google Play Store does not offer any gambling apps, if you’re ready to download for Android, you’ll need to download directly from the poker site itself. Use the links above to do so and take advantage of the sign-up and deposit bonuses.

Sweepstakes & Social Poker apps

For those not in legalized online poker states, such as California, Florida, Illinois or Texas, there are other options.

For one, you can download the app of your choice right from your home and travel to a legalized state to play poker on the app. For poker players in New York, for example, where getting to New Jersey or Pennsylvania may be fairly quick and easy, this could be an option.

Another option is sweepstakes poker, which is based on social gaming and has become quite popular in the US. Read more about sweepstakes and social poker here.

How do I download a poker app in the US?

One great thing about using a real money poker app is that you can qualify for bonuses and free play money for simply signing up. That can add up even more when making a deposit.

Those looking to take advantage of some of those bonuses and free cash should use the links above for exclusive USPoker bonuses and offers. After downloading, you have a quick process to sign up. You’ll need to provide some basic information, including:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Username
• Password

Poker apps offer similar security measures to traditional online poker sites. Downloading a poker app will also require downloading authorized geolocation software to make sure you are physically within the state offering legal online poker.

Note: Players don’t have to be in the state to download the app or deposit into an account. If you plan to travel to a legal poker state (e.g., Nevada, PA, MI, or NJ), getting started ahead of time is just as easy. You’ll also qualify for the bonuses and free money.

When you’re in the legal state, simply break out your mobile device and start playing. While you might not find every game or tournament option you’d find on the full desktop poker client, the app will offer a wide range of game options. Some of those can include:

• Free-to-play games
• Real money cash games
• Tournaments
• Sit & go’s
• Fast-fold (speed poker) games
• Jackpot SNGs
• Major tournament series events

Free poker apps

It’s important to note that real-money poker apps are still always free to download. You can also play for free with virtual currency or “play money” on any real-money poker app.

This offers a great way to learn the app, practice your skills, and simply have some fun. Creating a new account on a poker app will also come with some free money or tournament tickets to take a shot at a couple of real-money events.

Unlike social gaming poker apps, there is (usually) a higher level of play on an app for real money. Players with no “skin in the game” are much less likely to fold, and the game isn’t really close to what one might experience in a real live poker room.

Poker as a game is entirely different when played for money. Some of that real-world play also carries over to the play-money experience on a real-money poker app. The quality of play on the poker app may be slightly better and improved over what social gamers are used to, as well.

This is a good thing, though, as it makes the games far more predictable and better prepares you for eventually diving into real-money poker games. If you’re looking for the best free poker games solely for social gaming, check our page here:

• Best Free Poker Games

Are real-money poker apps safe?

Online poker apps offer a safe and secure playing environment. Just like traditional land-based casinos and poker rooms, operators must meet strict licensing requirements and regulations.

That means all player information and funds are secure. Unlike unregulated, offshore sites, legal online poker operators have systems in place to offer numerous player protections — and are required to do so by state laws and regulations.

Online poker platforms, including apps, also work toward the prevention of player collusion. Each operator monitors gameplay in this way, and player collusion and discrepancies are commonly discovered by monitoring software. This technology can help assure players of a square game.

You can look for the following when it comes to online poker apps and the operators themselves. These are signs of a safe and secure poker site:

• State-approved partnerships
• Reputable companies
• Approvals and inspections by state gaming commissions
• Mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods
• Excellent support and customer service

Can I deposit and cash out on a poker app?

After setting up an account, making a deposit using an app is easy and safe. There should be several mainstream deposit options, and all these can usually be used via an app as well. Some of those may include:

• PayPal for online poker
• E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
• Visa or Mastercard
• Wire payments
• E-wallets such as Neteller

These may also be a means of cashing out any winnings. Many poker apps also offer deposits and cashouts at the cashier cage at their partner casinos. Banking is as fast and efficient as most other online retail experiences.

Poker Apps FAQ

Can I multi-table on a poker app?

Yes, and some mobile apps offer ways to make this easier. That small screen may not be as conducive to tiling through numerous games, but playing a few tables is possible.

Can I access the same games and tournaments on a poker app?

For the most part, yes. While some events and functions may not be available, most tournaments, cash games, sit and gos, and other games are usually also on the app. Players can expect a similar experience they’d find using a desktop or laptop computer.

Can I cascade tables on a poker app?

Yes, but there may be reduced numbers, and it will depend on the app and operator. Playing more than one game or event is possible, however.

How many players use the poker apps over desktop?

More and more players are using mobile devices, and surveys show that 10% of all time spent on an average person’s phone is for gaming. It’s a good bet a good portion of that is poker. Poker apps offer the flexibility of playing wherever and whenever a player wants as long as they’re within the boundaries of a legalized online poker state.

Sweepstakes poker apps can be played freely across virtually all states (it’s only off-limits in Washington) and player pools and growing rapidly.

How much data do I use on a poker app?

If using Wi-Fi, players don’t have to worry about data demands. When using cellular data, some apps may use only eight to 10 megabytes per day.

Can I see poker odds on a poker app?

Most sites and apps offer tutorials on learning how to play so you can learn the odds and what to expect. Some may also offer odds on certain hands as the game progresses or is in action. Playing for free offers a nice way to learn and get accustomed to the game and individual gameplay of each app.

Can I play casino games and bet on sports through a poker app?

Most apps offer this seamless feature, and player funds can be used for other forms of gaming. However, Nevada has only legalized poker and sports betting. Pennsylvania and New Jersey also offer other forms of gaming including online casinos with no deposit bonuses for new players. Delaware also offers limited online gaming. Global Poker has some sweeps casino games as well.