As the most widely used tablet around, iPad users are spoilt for choice with apps. Unsurprisingly, this is no different for those related to poker – there are over 50 of them available at the iTunes App Store. With so much choice, how can you tell a good real money poker websites from a bad one? Though different people will look for different things when looking for the app which is perfect for them, we have compiled a list of 6 key features that every iPad mobile poker room should have so that you can narrow down your search and get playing as soon as possible.
- TABLET SPECIFIC DESIGN
As an iPad user, you’ll want to find a poker app which has been developed with you in mind. This means finding one which makes full use of the tablet’s high resolution screen, displaying lobbies and tables in a large and clear manner designed specifically for the iPad. It is also helpful if the app has orientation functionality, paying consideration to the different ways in which the iPad can be held. Finally, buttons should be spaced sensibly to avoid any accidental pressing which often occurs when using a tablet – there is nothing more frustrating than calling someone’s bet by mistake when you have absolutely nothing! To get the most out of your poker experience, there is nothing more important than to first select a real money app that makes playing the game a joy. - FAST-FOLD GAMES ON TABLETS
Because of the portable and easily accessible nature of the iPad, you’ll be after a poker app which you can fire up and play in a matter of seconds. Many apps now offer fast-fold games – an exciting format where you are dealt a new hand right after you have folded your old one – which cater perfectly for the ‘pick up, put down’ tablet experience. With fast-fold poker, you spend less time waiting and more time playing, make it a must have feature for any iPad poker app. - CROSS-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
A poker app which supports multiple operating systems – namely Android and Windows Phone, as well as Apple’s iOS – is preferable over one which caters exclusively for iPad users. Firstly, cross-platform compatibility will result in a busier and more active poker room, meaning that you shouldn’t have to waste time waiting around for a game to start. Though the iPad is the world’s most popular tablet, the overall number of devices supported by Android is far greater than that supported by Apple’s iOS. If you are one of many iPad owners who also uses an Android or Windows Phone-based smartphone, you’ll want to search for a poker app that works on both devices so that you can get the cards in the air anywhere, anytime. - MULTI-TABLING FOR TABLETS
Find an app which harnesses the iPad’s big display and processing power by allowing users to play multiple tables simultaneously. Whether the tables are placed next to each other in a tile formation, or rather accessible individually for a full-screen display of each table, the choice to multi-table is popular with poker veterans and newcomers alike. Experienced, winning players can process large amounts of information quickly and will benefit from the higher volume of hands that multi-tabling offers as it increases the rate of money earned, while those who like action will enjoy the rapid pace of the game that is felt when playing multiple tables at the same time. - PROMOTIONS & REWARDS
As you should research before buying any sort of product – poker app or otherwise – make sure that you are getting good value for your money! Most real money mobile poker apps will offer a variety of sign-up rewards, deposit bonuses and loyalty schemes to give back to you for your custom, so spending some time being thrifty and hunting out the best deals before committing to one online poker room will be worth it in the long run. Look for an iPad app that offers a great welcome bonus, generous, competitive rakeback deals and regular freerolls alongside other promotional offers to make sure that you get paid for your loyalty. - WEB-BASED VERSION
Though using an app is undeniably convenient, it can be helpful if the online poker room of your choice also provides some web-supported software which can be used in much the same way. The most obvious benefit of using a browser-based poker client is that you don’t need to go through the hassle of downloading, installing or updating anything as an app requires, so you can get straight to playing. Also, sometimes native poker apps developed for iOS will work only in certain countries, whereas a browser-supported poker room may be more widely accessible. If you are heading abroad and are still wanting to play poker at your chosen site, be sure to find an app which offers a web-based alternative so that you can always get dealt a hand. None of the iOS poker apps listed in the App Store of iTunes will initialise if you want to play for real money in the United States, therefore it's handy to have a web-app to turn to.