Instant Play Poker Sites (No Download Required)
No download poker sites are convenient for players who aren't playing on Windows-based computers, or players who don't want to download poker programs. No download poker rooms are flash versions of the room that have the same features and similar graphics, but don't require a download of the actual software. All you need is Adobe Flash player, which is a piece of software that most computers already have, and is available for free at Adobe.com. Not all poker sites offer an Instant Play option, so we have ranked and reviewed the best flash poker sites:
Bodog added their no download poker room in February 2009, and it is easily the best flash poker room out there. The flash poker room allows players to play one Texas Hold'em cash game table, and features the same resizable windows and player chat that the download-able version offers. The Bodog flash poker room is perfect for Mac players or players who aren't on their personal computer and can't download the poker program.
To start playing at the Bodog flash poker room, click the sign-up link below and then click "Play Now". You will then create an account and be lead directly to the flash poker lobby, where you can find a table and begin playing. Bodog accepts all American, Canadian, and other players.
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Party Poker has the second best flash poker room online. Their no download version plays exactly like their downloadable software. To play at Party Poker's Instant Play poker room, simply visit PartyPoker.com and click "Play Lite Version". You will then be lead to the poker lobby where you can log in and play (you will have to "approve" the Party Poker flash client on your computer before it will allow you to connect - a notification will pop up and you have to click "Run").
Once you sit down at a table, you will be pleased to discover the layout and graphics are exactly the same as the download-able version. As long as your Internet connection is stable, Party Poker's flash poker room will run just as smoothly as their download-able room.
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Pacific Poker is another great option for non-American players looking for a no-download poker room. When you go to PacificPoker.com you'll see an option for "Quick Play-no download" - click that button to launch the flash poker room.
You will then be lead to an account creation form, and once your account is all set up, you'll be able to choose a table in the lobby and start playing. The no-download software at Pacific Poker is exactly the same as their download-able software. Use the below signup link for a 100% up to $400 bonus on your first deposit at PacificPoker.com.
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Ladbrokes is a good UK poker site that offers a flash poker client so players don't have to download the full poker software. To access Ladbroke's flash poker room, go to the Ladbrokes poker site, and choose "Instant Play". As long as you have the proper plug-ins you'll be taken right to the Ladbrokes flash poker lobby, which looks exactly the same as the download-able version. We like Ladbrokes because they offer a great no download poker room, and also allow players to bet on casino games, sports games, and more all from the same account.
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What are Flash Poker Rooms?
All poker sites offer standard download-able software that works great for PC users who don't mind downloading another program. However, if a player is on a Mac computer, or for some reason doesn't want poker software on their computer, the only way they can play is if the poker site offers a no download poker client, also known as a flash poker room. These poker rooms allow you to play for real money right in your Internet browser, and you don't need to download anything (other than a flash player if you don't have one).
What Do I Need to Play Instantly?
As we mentioned before, the only thing you will need is a computer with an Internet connection, an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, and Adobe Flash Player. Most computers ship with Adobe Flash Player installed, but if you don't have it, you can download an up to date version at www.Adobe.com.