Poker has been a popular game in the United States for years, slowly evolving into today’s multi-million-dollar industry.
From the dusty bars of the old Wild West to the mobile devices of the 21st-century American, poker continues to grow in popularity despite having to change and adapt. In 2021, many US states have either legalized an online poker industry or will do so as the year progresses.
Wherever you are in the country, there are options for you to play poker with friends or strangers online. You may want to play for money, looking to qualify for the World Series of Poker, which has been held annually since 1970 and is televised around the globe. You may wish to play for fun with friends, testing your skills without financial commitment or outlay. If you do, there are plenty of options available to you.
The increased processing power of handheld devices has driven mobile gaming into the mainstream. Titles available on mobile devices have become more involved and entertaining, and they deliver a much more social experience when playing with friends. They are often based around a ‘freemium’ model, being free to play but featuring payment options that improve basic knowledge. Within that genre of games, poker is well-catered for, too. If you are a keen poker player looking for free or freemium expertise to share with your friends, family, or even like-minded strangers, here are some titles you might be wise to check out.
Zynga Poker
Zynga is a US-based games developer with a strong background in mobile games. They were the force behind the hugely successful Farmville title and are responsible for the word game Words With Friends. That track record is evident in Zynga Poker, where they bring all the expertise to your favorite card game. It features Texas Hold ’em as its chosen variant and can accommodate nine players simultaneously in various game modes and tournaments.
Play WSOP
Play WSOP is a free online poker platform for friends specifically designed for gamers who do not want to play for real money but still want an authentic and enjoyable poker experience. It trades on the popular WSOP brand and virtually lets you win your own WSOP bracelet. You can connect with players worldwide, making it a great social experience and a good poker simulator.
Appeak Poker
Appeak Poker has become popular in recent years mainly due to its simplicity. It does not get bogged down in menus, options, and the like but rather offers a basic but enjoyable poker game. You can play at a table of up to eight other players within seconds of downloading the app but do not be fooled into thinking this is basic. There are plenty of game styles to enjoy, and the opportunity to represent your country on leaderboards is also a nice touch.
