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Poker for Macintosh
Mac Compatible Poker Sites
This is a comprehensive list of Macintosh compatible poker rooms. Absolutepoker.com  recently released their "no download" version for Macs. Sites listed below with a green download button denote they require downloading, others use Java which do not.
To see screenshots of all these Mac compatible poker rooms table layout please visit our quick pick review page.
Still having troubles?
If anyone of these sites don't work on your Mac it is likely to be two reasons. You're using an old Mac which doesn't support the sites that require downloading (ones with a green download button next to them) or you need to open a port. Contact the tech support at the pokerroom you choose and they'll show you how and which port to open up. You also may just need to download the latest version of Java, which is free.
USA Notes
Besides checking this page often we also suggest viewing our online poker sites for USA webpage periodically. Due to hourly updates, that page will always be as updated as possible with deposit options and more.
 Option 1: Java
The Java poker programs have restrictions. The graphics are not everything that you'd see in the download versions. This keeps the game running as fast as possible.
All Mac online poker rooms have different requirements to play poker on a Mac but most poker rooms require Java. Most newer model Macintosh's /Apples come with Java pre-installed. Frequently required browsers are Internet Explorer 5.2 or Apple Safari for Mac OS X but these are not always necessary. Mozilla Firefox usually works just fine as it's my preferred browser.
Option 2: Virtual PC or Parallels
You can play on poker rooms that are not made for Macs by purchasing Virtual PC software. This software will allow you to play online poker rooms that were built for Windows. I personally use Parallels which allows you to use Windows and Mac OS X without having to turn your computer off. It can get slow when switching from Windows to Mac if you're running lots of applications. Visit the Virtual PC poker page for more information. Both options can be costly.
Option 3: Dual Boot "Boot Camp" - Intel Only
In an advancement by Apple you can now Dual Boot a Mac to play at Windows based poker rooms or sites that only offer a non-Mac compatible software component. See how to Dual Boot a Macintosh to play poker. This is for Intel based Macs only. All new Macintosh laptops use the Intel processor.
Privacy Issues to Consider
This issue is relatively new but should be addressed for any Mac user thinking about booting up Windows on their Mac via Virtual PC or by dual booting. Poker rooms are now sending out dll type snooping injectors to watch you while you play poker. These dll injectors hook on to your running applications to make sure you are not running any illegal cheat software. This is great way to stop cheaters but some players believe it's an invasion of privacy. Just know that you are being watched when you play poker at Windows based sites. Java based poker rooms will not allow this because it is not allowed by Java Runtime.
Download or No Download
It really depends on preference when choosing to play at a no download or a download poker room on your Mac. Download sites will offer more accessories. The downloadable sites will give you options to choose avatars, take notes on players and let you do a lot more things than on the Java sites. On the other hand some players don't like to download extra software onto their Mac and choose to use the Java (no download) poker rooms. It is really up to you to find what Mac poker room suits your playing style.
Future Mac Poker Rooms
We have contacted all the major online poker rooms such as Titan Poker, Everest Poker, Bodog etc. about becoming Mac compatible. The responses from these major poker rooms are not all that promising. Although, lately things have changed for the better. As for casinos we're still looking for a native Mac compatible casino. Some poker rooms like 888 have an online casino for Macs.
For now Virtual PC, Parallels or performing a Dual Boot with "Boot Camp" are the main methods to play at some of these sites. Bodog said they were developing Mac software but because of recent problems with their brand I wouldn't expect Mac poker at Bodog anytime soon. They will send us an email as soon as they do decide to become Mac compatible so keep checking in for that because they've got a great site and one of the few with an upfront bonus.
Mac Poker Tidbits
Did you know that playing Party Poker on a Mac is now possible with their all new Java software? Did you know that Party Poker has a native Mac version? Well they do and it came out on Sept. 8th of 2007.
Different Countries
Articles similar to this page can now be read in fr (French), de (German) and more to come.
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