The Best US-Friendly Online Poker Sites for Android and iOS

There are dozens of sites and apps available where players can enjoy their favorite poker games while on the go. When it comes to choosing where you should play poker games from your mobile device, it’s important to know what to look for in a good app. Here is a list of criteria that you should keep in mind when browsing the best US-friendly poker sites for Android and iOS operating systems.

Game Selection

On mobile apps, the selection of games is getting more diverse. So, if you’re looking to play in Texas Hold’em or Omaha games, you won’t be disappointed, but it’s when you want to play more niche titles that you may encounter some issues.

Mixed, draw and stud poker games tend to be harder to come by on mobile apps. So, if you’re a fan of these types of games, you should always browse the mobile game selection before signing up to any site.

Fast-fold poker is another game that you may have difficulty finding on mobile poker sites. Sites like 888, partypoker and PokerStars all feature fast-fold games that you can play on your tablet or smartphone, but you may struggle to find this type of game at other mobile sites.

On the plus side, US-facing mobile apps do offer up a wide range of tournaments to take part in. You’ll be impressed with the selection of competitions you’ll have access to, with all sorts of Sit n Gos, reloads and turbos available.

Graphics and Game Quality

When you’re playing on a smaller screen like a tablet or a smartphone, graphics are incredibly important. You want crisp, clean graphics and smooth animations. Otherwise, you’ll end up straining your eyes and could end up with an uncomfortable mobile gaming experience.

To find out about the graphics quality of any mobile poker site you’re thinking of signing up to, there are plenty of forums and expert reviews available to give you a good idea of what to expect. Ensure that you find out from other players and industry experts what kind of visuals to expect from the top US mobile poker apps.

Browser-Based or Native App?

When you play poker games on your mobile device, there are two ways of going about it. You can either play games based on your web browser or using a native app that is downloaded to your tablet or smartphone.

Native apps tend to be more comprehensive than browser-based games. You usually have a wider range of cash games and tournaments to enter, but you’ll have to be careful depending on which operating system you’re using. Some operators only offer apps for iOS while others focus on Android, so you should make sure that your device will support their mobile software.

Are You a Multi-tabler?

If you’re an online poker grinder, and you prefer to play several tables at once, you’ll have to remember that there are few mobile apps that support this capability. As far as American-facing poker sites go, partypoker and PokerStars are the only USA-friendly mobile poker rooms that allow you to multi-table on your tablet or smartphone.

Bonuses and Promotions

While bonuses are common in the online poker market, not all sites are equally as generous. There are certainly some sites that provide better promotions than others, and it’s up to you to decide which bonuses will benefit you most.

On most of the poker apps that you’ll find in states like New Jersey and Delaware, you’ll be treated to a free cash bonus upon registering. This means that you don’t need to make a deposit, and you can test out the casino’s software before you spend any actual money. It’s always a good idea to be on the lookout for these types of promotions.

Welcome bonuses are a staple at online poker sites, as well, so you don’t have to look too far to find an app that treats you to a match on your first deposit. It’s when it comes to ongoing promotions that you should be discerning. Reloads, loyalty programs and leaderboards are just a few of the promos that you’ll be able to find at mobile poker sites, so you should always browse the selection to ensure that there are enough bonuses to keep you interested.

Wagering Requirements on Poker Sites

Another important thing to consider is wagering requirements. When you receive your bonus, it must be used to play poker and cannot be withdrawn immediately. You’ll only be able to withdraw your bonus after you meet the wagering requirements. This is called “clearing” your bonus.

In order to clear your bonus at mobile poker sites, you have to earn player points. Every time you collect a certain number of player points, a dollar of your bonus is cleared, and credited to your real money account.

At PokerStars, you have to earn 180 player points to clear $10, whereas WSOP requires you to earn 10 player points to clear $1 and playMGM clears $1 for every 8 points you earn. The differences are small, but they do make a big difference over time. If you’re a player who doesn’t put in much volume, it’s important to play at a mobile poker site that has lower wagering requirements.

Are You a Recreational Player or a Grinder?

Your playing style will also have a bearing on which poker site is the best option for you. Sites like PokerStars and partypoker have been taking measures to provide a more enjoyable experience for recreational players, with the banning of HUDs and limits on multi-tabling. So, these sites are your best bet if you’re only playing for a bit of fun.

Even though these are some of the biggest names in the poker market, more serious players who want to play on mobile will likely want to try out other apps first. You’ll come across fewer limitations when it comes to playing poker online in such a way that will help you advance your career, if you take a look at some of the smaller online poker rooms that have yet to impose rules that restrict the gameplay of more professional players.