Mac Poker FAQ

In recent years, as Mac computers have become more popular, more and more online poker sites have been creating software that is compatible with Macs. These poker sites allow you to enjoy the full experience that their online card room has to offer without switching to a computer running Windows. Playing poker on a Mac is very similar to playing poker on a PC, though there are a few basic pieces of information you should know before getting started.

How do I know if a given poker site is compatible with my Mac?

First, visit the online poker site you’d like to use. Often, there will be an announcement on the homepage specifying whether or not the site allows you to play Mac poker. If there isn’t, click the “Download” button on the page, or some other button indicating that you can download and install the software. Some poker sites, such as Full Tilt Poker, will recognize your operating system and automatically redirect you to their Mac software download. If there isn’t any readily apparent information regarding Mac poker support, look for an Apple logo on the site or contact the site’s customer support.

Many poker sites claiming to offer Mac poker don’t actually have downloadable software that works on a Mac. Instead, they’ll offer an Instant Play or No-Download function. This allows you to play poker in your web browser regardless of your operating system. Allow this will certainly allow you to play Mac poker, the experience might not be as refined or full-featured as playing poker through downloadable software.

I’m trying to use the Instant Play feature of a poker site and it isn’t working. What’s wrong?

Chances are good that you’re using an incompatible web browser, the browser is too old, or you need to update to the latest version of Java or Flash. Most Instant Play Mac poker sites are compatible with Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox. Alternative web browsers such as Opera or Google Chrome may not yet be supported. Be sure that your web browser is updated to the latest version by visiting the browser’s website and downloading their newest iteration. Next, find out whether your favorite poker site uses Java or Flash to display graphics and sounds and update to the latest version of Java or Flash.

I have an older Mac computer. Will it run my favorite poker site?

This depends entirely on your Mac’s computer specs. In general, you’ll need at least a PowerPC G3, G4, G5 or Intel processor, as well as 256 MB of RAM, 50 to 100 MB of available hard drive space, and a 56k or greater Internet connection. Many online poker sites that support Mac poker offer more specific minimum system requirements. Different poker sites require different minimum computer specifications. In general, any Mac manufactured in the last five to eight years should be able to run most poker software.

I insist on using downloadable software to play Mac poker. What if my favorite poker site doesn’t offer downloadable Mac software?

It is technically possible to use downloadable software created for Windows on a Mac computer. However, you’ll need to have some computer knowledge as well as the applicable software programs. One option is using a PC emulator such as Virtual PC or VMware. This allows you to create a virtual Windows environment within your Mac OS. This experience can be cumbersome and sluggish, and it requires a modern Mac with excellent specs to work well.

Alternatively, you can install Windows directly onto your Mac through a dual boot program such as Boot Camp or Parallels. Boot Camp is included with most Macs sold in the past couple of years. Parallels is a third-Party program. This method will require you to partition your hard drive and purchase a copy of Windows.

Are there any differences between the Mac and Windows versions of poker software?

Generally, no. If a poker site offers downloadable software that is compatible with both and Mac and Windows, chances are good that they’ll both provide the same experience. However, there are typically differences between the Instant Play and downloadable versions of a given site’s Mac poker software. Instant Play software is usually missing a few useful features, such as table tiling and scaling, filterable lobbies, and other functionalities. The exact differences will depend on the site you choose.