Best Linux Poker Downloads for February 2012
The Linux operating system has a loyal following, but it’s not a well-known operating system among mainstream computer users. For that reason, it can be difficult to find a working Linux poker download. Linux users are not out of luck though, because there are still plenty of options in the form of no-download poker rooms.
We recommend the following poker rooms for all Linux users:
Party Poker on a Linux
Party Poker has a powerful no-download option that works well with Linux computers. The instant play software provides access to both cash games and tournaments at all stakes. Multi-tabling is supported, and all the most important features are available as well. In short, Party Poker is a great choice for Linux users.
888 Poker
888 Poker has always been known for providing high quality no-download software to its users. If you use the Linux operating system, you can visit the 888 Poker website to get started right away. The 888 Poker instant play option comes with sleek graphics, fast loading times and a simple user interface. On top of that, 888 Poker is currently offering all players a juicy signup bonus.
Bet365 Poker
The Bet365 Poker instant play option is compatible with all web browsers and gives players to most (but not all) tournaments and cash games. Most of the same features that you can find with the full poker download are also available in the instant play option. And just like the other poker sites on this list, Bet365 Poker is currently offering all new players a large deposit bonus.
Linux poker users do not need to feel left out in the cold when it comes to online poker. Although we don’t yet know of any native Linux poker downloads, the above poker sites are all compatible with the Linux operating system. Just look for the “instant play” button at any of these poker websites.
How Linux Poker Downloads Work
Linux poker downloads don’t actually save anything to your computer. Instead, they use your web browser to display the poker lobby and tables. Each poker table that you join is opened in a new window in your browser.
No special software is needed to access the tables at the above poker sites. The only thing you need is a Linux computer and access to the internet. Flash technology then makes it possible for you to interact with the poker site through your web browser.
The easiest way to get started with poker on a Linux is to use no-download software to access the tables. Most of the biggest poker rooms on the internet offer a no-download or instant play option that you can use to get started with minimal fuss. If you visit any of the poker sites on that page, you’ll be good to go.
Other Linux Poker Download Options
No download poker has come a long ways since it was first released in the early 2000s. Even so, some people still aren’t fans of no-download poker. If you feel the same way, there are two other options:
- Use WINE to run any Windows Program on your computer
- Dual boot your machine with Linux and Windows
WINE and Online Poker
WINE is an open source program that you can use to install a variety of Windows programs on your computer. If you’re interested in trying this option, you can visit the WINE website to download the program and learn more. This option is a little bit technical in nature, but it works well once you have WINE set up properly.
Dual Boot Your Computer with Linux and Windows
It is also possible to dual boot your computer with both Linux and Windows. This method installs both Linux and Windows on the same machine. Every time you start your computer, you can choose which operating system is booted. One of the easiest ways to dual boot your computer is to use the GRUB program to manage both installations.
After you have GRUB installed, you can choose to run Linux or Windows at each startup. If you feel like playing poker on your Linux, just start your computer and choose the Windows option. When you’re done playing poker, you can switch back to Linux and continue your day as normal.

