When video poker made its official debut back in the early 1980s, the only viable way for players to place a few stakes on the game was to drive over to a brick-and-mortar casino. Things quickly took a turn for the better in the decades to follow and the 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 right there in 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 broader range of portable devices, which cannot be said for its chief contender, Apple’s iOS. Thus, video poker fans are enabled to 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 are facing is deciding which mobile gambling operator to register with. There are two ways players can go about this – which one you choose should be based solely on your individual preferences.
Some players simply cannot afford to 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 the Flash technology which is to say 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 more frequently is also highly recommended.
In-browser mobile casinos offer an app-like experience without players actually having to install anything on their Android smartphones. What you need to do is input 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 have an existing account with this particular gaming operator, you will be able to access it with your desktop log-in details – there is no need to sign up with a separate account to play the mobile games on offer. If not, you will be asked to sign up 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, via text messages 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 offered to download the native application. The installation process is usually quick and simplified, 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 to be played on touch-screen devices. The same cannot be said for regular tournament poker where there are many functionalities that need to fit within a screen that is relatively limited in size – the chat box, the control buttons, and the table itself. As a result, players are barely able to see what cards they are dealt.
This is not the case when it comes to Android video poker, because there are fewer game controls. Players can see the cards they receive clearly because these are much larger in size. The paytable with the winning hands and their respective payouts is positioned above – in order to adjust the size of their stakes, players are normally required to tap on the column, corresponding to the number of credits they wish to bet per hand.
A tap on the Deal button results in players receiving their starting hand, which consists of five randomly dealt cards. Then, one simply needs to tap on the card they want to hold. Once the discards are replaced with new cards, you will be paid in accordance with the paytable, provided that your hand qualifies for a payout. Video poker fans will find that the touch-screens of their Android devices allow for greater dynamics and a faster pace of play.
Casino Bonuses for Android Video Poker
Similarly to landbased 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 with real-money accounts with hefty Welcome bonuses upon transferring their first deposits to the casino. On occasions, there are unique bonuses reserved exclusively for those who register their new accounts via their Android smartphones or tablets.
Another great incentive which aims at attracting the interest of new players is the No Deposit bonus some mobile casinos offer to newcomers. Once you sign up using your phone, you usually are prompted to enter a valid promo code to obtain the free casino credits. This code is usually 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 one’s mobile gaming operator of choice.
Existing members are not left empty-handed, either, as they are typically enrolled in the Android casinos’ rewards programs 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 in between business meetings. These points can later on 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 touch-screen, just as quickly as they can do it from home, on their desktop computer.
Mobile Video Poker
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Top Mobile Casinos Offering Video Poker for Android
Nowadays, when mobile gaming has truly exploded, it will be next to impossible to find a casino which 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 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 opt for opening your account with one of them, you can rest safe in the knowledge 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, a live dealer offering, 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 lots of dependable payment solutions.
Millions of Android users decide in favour of joining Gala Casino because of the wild diversity of games that can be played there while on the go. These include a staggering number of premium slots, a nice range of blackjack, poker, and roulette games, and of course, video poker. Players can pursuit the Royal Flush in a multi-hand game of Jacks or Better which has been fully optimised for Android devices. And the great thing is there is no need to waste time and data storage space since 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 landbased 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, various staples like Caribbean Stud poker, blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold’em. Additionally, there is a live dealer offering with games like baccarat and roulette being broadcast directly from the floors of the lavish Crockfords Casino in Mayfair, London.
Players who prefer to put their money on stake on video poker games will be able to do so from the comfort of their surroundings as Genting Casino supports mobile devices, running on Android OS. Several variants of the games are on offer, namely Double Bonus Poker, Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, and Jacks or Better. The generous Welcome Bonus newcomers are awarded after registration, will give new members of the casino a good head-start. Players will also benefit from the excellent customer service, Genting Casino’s team of friendly support agents provide at all times.
UK Casino Club
UK Casino Club is a respected gambling provider which targets predominantly players from the United Kingdom, but gambling enthusiasts from other countries are also welcome to join the fun with real-money accounts. The casino has partnered with leaders Microgaming and Playtech for its selection of games, so players can expect nothing but first-rate quality of the 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 various appealing slots, progressive titles like Mega Moolah and Major Millions, classics like Atlantic City Blackjack, American and European Roulette as well as several appealing video poker variants, namely full-pay Jacks or Better, Aces and Faces, Double Double Bonus Poker, and Aces and Eights.
Should any player experience some issues, assistance is never too far away. The casino’s support agents are always around to patiently resolve issues, provide information, and help players in any way imaginable. Both new and old members of the casino can take advantage of different fantastic promotional offers.
William Hill
Being one of the oldest gambling brands on the territory of the United Kingdom, William Hill has become an epitome of tradition, excellence, and fair play. Millions of players around the world seem to agree which is anything but surprising considering the advantages 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 different 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.