PSP World

Online Real Money poker for the iPad

All signs point to the iPad being another big success for Apple, but so far online poker fans have been left out in the cold. While there are plenty of poker apps available for the iPad (and the iPhone), there's still no easy way to play online poker games for real money on either device.

Apple's decision to not include support for Flash on the iPad and iPhone rules out using any Flash-based client to access online poker sites. While a small number of on line poker sites have developed Flash versions that can be played through most Web browsers, these are basically useless on the iPad, due to the lack of support for Flash. Apple shows no signs on budging in its anti-Flash stance, so this likely won't change at any point in the near future, as far as playing online poker via a browser on the iPad.

The technical specs of the iPad are well up to the task of supporting typical online poker sites applications, but Apple requires that any app that runs on the iPad or iPhone be approved first by Apple before being made available for download and use. Apple has approved numerous poker apps for the iPad and iPhone (even developing one of the more popular poker apps themselves in-house), but so far Apple has declined all apps that could be used to play online poker for real money.

The only viable option that online poker players have found to enjoy their favorite game on the iPad or iPhone is to use a remote desktop service. Remote desktop services let you access any programs or files (including online poker site clients) on your primary desktop from remote computers or devices. It's a bit clunky and prone to lag, but the process does give you a way to play online poker via your iPad/iPhone.

If you're simply looking to play a few hands of poker on your iPad, you may be better off with some of the apps already available. None of them let you play for real money, but many of the multi-player ones offer the same experience of online poker, and the single player apps where you tangle with computer opponents are also a great way to sharpen your skills.