When video poker made its official debut back in the early 1980s, the only viable way for players to place a few wagers on the game was to drive over to a brick-and-mortar casino. Things quickly took a turn for the better in the decades that followed, and rapid technological progress led to the launch of an impressive number of online casinos, allowing video poker fans to wager on their preferred game from the comfort of their own homes.
But it did not end there. The advent of online casinos was soon followed by the introduction of their mobile counterparts, which further increased the flexibility and convenience of enthusiastic players the world over, bringing entire suites of alluring casino games directly into the palms of their hands.
The vast majority of mobile casinos support Google’s Android operating system, making it possible for video poker fans to enjoy some of the most common variants of the game regardless of time and place. The great thing about the Android OS is that it works on a wider range of portable devices, which cannot be said for its chief contender, Apple’s iOS. Thus, video poker fans can play their game of choice on the go, regardless of the type of Android-based device they own. This operating system is compatible with a number of popular brands, including LG, HTC, Samsung, Sony Xperia, Nokia and Motorola, among others.
How to Play Real-Money Video Poker on Android Devices
Since most mobile casinos are fully compatible with the Android operating system, the only difficulty video poker fans face is deciding which mobile gambling operator to register with. There are two ways players can go about this, and the one you choose should be based solely on your personal preferences.
Some players simply cannot spare the necessary storage space, or are wary of installing third-party software on their Android smartphones or tablets. If this is the case, playing video poker in instant-play mode is the more suitable option. A great number of mobile casinos have already adopted HTML5 and offer in-browser apps where no download of additional software is necessary. Other mobile gaming operators are still sticking to Flash technology, which means that video poker fans will have to upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Flash if they wish to enjoy a smooth gaming session on their Android devices. Updating one’s Internet browser regularly is also highly recommended.
In-browser mobile casinos offer an app-like experience without players actually having to install anything on their Android smartphones. All you need to do is enter the address of your preferred Android casino in your phone’s web browser, and you will be immediately redirected to the mobile version. If you already have an account with this particular gaming operator, you will be able to access it with your desktop login details – there is no need to sign up for a separate account to play the mobile games on offer. If not, you will be asked to register and fill in your personal details in the registration form.
The second option is recommended for video poker fans who would rather install their preferred casino’s mobile application on their Android phone or tablet. Unfortunately, the odds of finding such apps in Google Play are nil, because the multinational technology giant has prohibited real-money gambling apps from its official store. It is possible, however, to download the Android app (if one such app is available) from the website of your mobile casino of choice.
Download links can normally be obtained by scanning QR codes, or via text message or email. On very rare occasions, players need to contact the Android casino’s customer support and request the link. In even rarer instances, only members with VIP status are allowed to download the native application. The installation process is usually quick and simple, so you will experience no difficulties there.
Apart from mobility and increased convenience, playing video poker on your Android device has other advantages to offer. Video poker is a game that seems to have been created for touchscreen devices. The same cannot be said for regular tournament poker, where there are many functions that need to fit within a relatively small screen – the chat box, the control buttons and the table itself. As a result, players can barely see the cards they are dealt.
This is not the case with Android video poker, because there are fewer game controls. Players can see the cards they receive clearly because they are much larger. The paytable with the winning hands and their respective payouts is positioned above – to adjust the size of their stakes, players simply tap on the column corresponding to the number of credits they wish to bet per hand.
A tap on the Deal button gives players their starting hand, which consists of five randomly dealt cards. Next, you simply tap on the cards you want to hold. Once the discards are replaced with new cards, you will be paid according to the paytable, provided that your hand qualifies for a payout. Video poker fans will find that the touchscreens of their Android devices allow for greater dynamism and a faster pace of play.
Casino Bonuses for Android Video Poker
Similar to land-based casinos, where patrons are awarded comps and other dividends, mobile casinos are generous to their players and reward them for their loyalty with various promotional incentives. New players are rewarded for signing up for real-money accounts with hefty welcome bonuses upon transferring their first deposits to the casino. Occasionally, there are unique bonuses reserved exclusively for those who register their new accounts via their Android smartphones or tablets.
Another great incentive that aims to attract new players is the No Deposit bonus offered by some mobile casinos. Once you sign up using your phone, you are usually prompted to enter a valid promo code to obtain the free casino credits. This code is generally sent to new players via email when they verify their registration, but there are instances of mobile casinos automatically transferring the bonus credits to players’ new accounts. It all depends on your chosen mobile gaming operator.
Existing members are not left empty-handed, either, as they are typically enrolled in the Android casinos’ rewards programmes from the very moment they register. Thus, players can collect comp points when playing Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild while they are stuck in traffic or between business meetings. These points can later be converted into more bonus credits or even cash. Reload bonuses on subsequent deposits are also a fantastic way to extend your play time while on the go. And the great thing about Android casinos is that players can conveniently boost their balance with a few taps of the touchscreen, just as quickly as they can at home on their desktop computers.
Mobile Video Poker
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Top Mobile Casinos Offering Video Poker for Android
Nowadays, when mobile gaming has truly exploded, it is next to impossible to find a casino that does not support the widespread Android operating system. With hundreds of Android casinos out there, some video poker fans struggle to make an informed decision about which one is the best and most reliable option. If you too find it difficult to decide which Android casino is the best choice for you, check out the four trusted gaming operators we have reviewed below – if you choose to open an account with one of them, you can rest assured that you will receive nothing but royal treatment while playing your favourite video poker variations.
Gala Casino
Gala Casino is part of one of the largest gaming businesses in the United Kingdom, with an extensive product portfolio which comprises a virtual casino, live dealer games, poker and bingo. The gaming operator is entirely committed to its players’ satisfaction, offering them a comprehensive collection of premier games, generous bonuses, efficient and quick customer support, and a host of dependable payment solutions.
Millions of Android users decide in favour of joining Gala Casino because of the wide diversity of games that can be played there while on the go. These include a staggering number of premium slots, a wide range of blackjack, poker and roulette games, and, of course, video poker. Players can pursue the Royal Flush in a multi-hand game of Jacks or Better, which has been fully optimised for Android devices. The best part is that there is no need to waste time or storage space, as you can load the gaming collection directly in the browser of your Android tablet or smartphone.
Genting Casino
The Genting brand has over fifty years of experience as a land-based gambling operator and launched its online casino offering back in 2010. Since then, the casino has attracted an impressive number of players who frequent its sleek, stylish website to enjoy the superb collection of games, which spans a wealth of amazing slots and various staples such as Caribbean Stud Poker, blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold’em. Additionally, there is a live dealer offering with games like baccarat and roulette broadcast directly from the floors of the lavish Crockfords Casino in Mayfair, London.
Players who prefer to stake their money on video poker games will be able to do so from the comfort of their surroundings, as Genting Casino supports mobile devices running Android OS. Several variants of the game are on offer, namely Double Bonus Poker, Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker and Jacks or Better. The generous welcome bonus awarded to newcomers after registration will give new members of the casino a good head start. Players will also benefit from the excellent customer service provided by Genting Casino’s team of friendly support agents, available at all times.
UK Casino Club
UK Casino Club is a respected gambling provider which predominantly targets players from the United Kingdom, though enthusiasts from other countries are also welcome to join the fun with real-money accounts. The casino has partnered with industry leaders Microgaming and Playtech for its selection of games, so players can expect nothing but first-rate animations and sound effects as well as a user-friendly interface that allows for exceptionally easy and quick navigation.
The mobile collection covers over 140 state-of-the-art games that will keep you entertained for hours. These include a variety of engaging slots, progressive titles such as Mega Moolah and Major Millions, classics like Atlantic City Blackjack, American and European Roulette, as well as several attractive video poker variants, namely full-pay Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces, Double Double Bonus Poker and Aces and Eights.
Should any player experience any issues, assistance is never too far away. The casino’s support agents are always on hand to resolve problems, provide information and help players in every way imaginable. Both new and existing members of the casino can take advantage of a range of fantastic promotional offers.
William Hill
Being one of the oldest gambling brands in the United Kingdom, William Hill has become the epitome of tradition, excellence and fair play. Millions of players around the world seem to agree, which is hardly surprising considering the advantages that playing at William Hill offers. These include 24/7 customer support in a wide range of languages, appetising bonuses that are tough to compete with, exceptional payment options in multiple currencies, and an extensive selection of premier games developed by key providers like NetEnt and Playtech, among others.
William Hill may be one of the oldest gambling brands around, but do not let this fool you – the operator keeps up with the latest trends in the industry and offers a mobile-responsive website that supports Android OS. There is also the option to download the operator’s bespoke Android app and install it on your device. The gaming selection is truly outstanding and features various traditional casino staples like roulette and blackjack, live dealer games, progressive and fixed-jackpot slots, as well as several fantastic video poker variants, such as Jacks or Better and Joker Poker.