How to Play Online Poker on a Linux
Linux is an open source software that is an alternative to the Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Linux gives users a lot more freedom, but one drawback is that most online poker rooms do not supporting Linux. However, if you're on a Linux you can still play online poker as long as you stick to the poker sites on this page. There are a few ways to play on your Linux, and we're going to go over each method later down the page. For now though, here is our toplist of the best Linux poker sites:
PokerStars is definitely the best online poker site for Linux users. PokerStars is the only poker room on this list that Linux players can actually download and use like a normal program. To download the PokerStars software you need to be using Wine, which is a separate program that allows Linux users to run Windows software without actually installing Windows.
If you use Wine to play PokerStars, you will have the same experience that a player using Windows would have. This is definitely the best option for a Linux poker player. To learn more about Wine, scroll down the page. If you sign up at PokerStars.com, use marketing code POKERSITE.ORG for a $600 sign up bonus.
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Our second favorite Linux-compatible online poker site is PartyPoker.com. Unfortunately, Party Poker doesn't work that great when using Wine, so we recommend that you use the Java/Flash version of their poker room. This is a no-download poker room, which means that you play poker right in your Internet browser instead of downloading any software.
Although the graphics and game play might be a little worse than a typical download version, it's by far the simplest way to play online poker on a Linux computer. If you sign up at Party Poker, use bonus code PSITEORG to receive a 100% up to $500 bonus on your first deposit.
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Bodog.com is another Linux-compatible poker site that uses no-download software to service their Mac and Linux customers. Bodog's flash poker room just launched, and it's easily the newest, most up to date, and most advanced flash poker client out there. Bodog is also a USA friendly poker site, and is currently offering a 110% up to $550 bonus for players who sign up through the below link. To redeem your bonus, you simply have to click the link below, create an account, and deposit. The bonus will instantly show up in your account.
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Pacific Poker is another Linux-compatible poker site, and just like Party Poker and Bodog, they only service Linux players through their flash/Java poker client. Pacific doesn't accept USA players, but as long as you're outside of the USA you'll be able to sign up and deposit with ease.
Also, Pacific has one of the best flash poker clients in the industry, as it looks and performs exactly like the downloadable version. Pacific is currently running a 100% up to $400 deposit bonus for all first time depositors. To redeem your bonus, use the sign up link below.
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Options for Playing Poker on a Linux
As I mentioned earlier in the article, there are basically three options for playing online poker on your Linux. The first option is to use Wine, the second is to play at a flash poker room, and the third is to install Windows onto your computer as a second operating system. We'll go over each option now.
Wine
Wine is the first option for playing poker on your Linux computer. To use Wine, follow the steps below:
Step #1 - Download Wine
To download Wine, click this link. Download the version of Wine that is appropriate for your computer.
Step #2 - Install Wine
To install Wine you'll have to go through the basic setup using WineTools. You will have to install and set up the Windows system programs as well as the TrueType core fonts. Once you finish this, Wine will launch.
Step #3 - Download the Poker Software
Choose one of the poker sites above and visit their site. Download the software by clicking "Download" on their homepage. We recommend choosing PokerStars.com, as they run best on Linux. Once you click "Download", a box will pop up asking if you'd like to save "PokerStarsInstaller.exe" - save it to start the download.
Step #4 - Install the Software
After you've saved the file, you'll need to run the command to start the installation. The format for the command is wine /tmp/PokerStarsInstaller.exe (if you download a different poker site, change the last part as necessary). To complete the installation, just click Next until it's done. NOTE - make sure you are installing to the C:\ drive.
Step #5 - Reboot Wine
Now, just reboot Wine and you'll be good to go. To reboot you just need to use the command wineboot. You can now open up the poker software and start playing.
Flash Poker Room
The second option for playing poker on a Linux computer is to choose a poker site that offers a flash poker client. Our favorite flash poker room is PartyPoker.com. To get started, head over to PartyPoker.com and choose "Try Instant Play". That will launch the flash poker client, and you can get started.
Installing Windows
The third option for playing on your Linux is to actually install Windows as a second operating system, then download the poker room to the Windows part of your hard drive. This can get a bit complicated, so we'll leave it to the experts. Click here to learn how to install Windows on a Linux computer.