While not as well-known as Windows and Apple, Linux is a computer operating system that is widely used as an open source format. It’s been around since the early 1990s and is mostly used by supercomputers and consumer devices, buy is also used by many people as a desktop OS.

Linux is an open source operating system, which means that is developed collaboratively – no single company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support of Linux. Companies which use Linux systems share in the research and development costs with their partners and competitors.

When playing online poker on a device using Linux, there can be a few stumbling blocks. One of the main problems for playing poker on Linux powered computers is the inability to visit an online poker site and download the software required to play, as it’s not always compatible. One option for Linux users is “Wine” – a free and open-source program designed to allow Windows programs to be run on a Linux operated device. This program works nicely for online poker.

Most online poker sites have developed software which is typically intended for Windows operating systems, and Linux players often have to make do with the instant play option rather than a downloadable poker client. In the world of internet poker, Linux is doesn’t get much of a mention most of the time but in reality there are tons of players who play poker on their Linux. There are more compatible poker sites for Linux than you’d imagine, and we’ve compiled a list of the best options right here. When you experience poker for Linux, players will get access to all the same cash games, promotions and major tournaments as Windows and Mac users. If you’re a fan of online poker, Linux is a great option when you know the right place to play!

Rank	Poker Site		US	Rating	Sign Up Bonus	Review
1		Bet Online Poker		4.7/5	200% up to $2500	Visit Site Read Review
2		888 Poker		4.5/5	100% up to £230	Visit Site Read Review
3		PokerStars		3.9/5	100% up to £400	Visit Site Read Review
4		Full Tilt Poker		3.4/5	100% up to $600	Visit Site Read Review
5		Party Poker		3.3/5	100% up to £500	Visit Site Read Review
6		Sky Poker		3.1/5	200% up to	Visit Site Read Review
7		William Hill		3/5	200% up to 1400	Visit Site Read Review
8		Titan Poker		3/5	200% up to £1200	Visit Site Read Review
9		Bet Victor		2.2/5	% up to	Visit Site Read Review

888 Poker

The poker site of the world’s favourite casino brand is an excellent option for Linux players. The software here has been recently revamped and proves to be modern, easy to navigate and full of useful features. 888 Poker provides Linux compatible poker client using the instant flash version of their poker site. The instant play function is equally well-performing as the download version, as well as being just as fast and with sharp graphics. New players on 888 are entitled to a match bonus of 100% up to £400. 888 Poker has 24 hour poker action, with frequent tournaments and satellite seats to nearly every live event across Europe. Banking methods are varied and they accepts play in either Euros or Sterling. Support is efficient and quick with email, live chat and phone support options available.

BetOnline

BetOnline is one of world’s top online gambling sites, and is powered by its own software. Poker fans here can get playing once they download the software, which is also compatible with Mac and Linux systems. The layout on BetOnline is made simple so that players start playing as fast as possible.

BetVictor

BetVictor is a reliable online bookmaking site with a popular poker room. It’s been around for a number of years and has a strong following, mostly in the UK. The software here is secure and easy to use. The card rooms previously could only be accessed by downloading the poker client on the site, as there was no Instant Play or Flash version offered. However, recently a new “Play in Browser” feature has been added to BetVictor to allow card games to be played not only on PCs but also on Linux systems. Regardless of which version players opt for, poker games here can be played risk-free in the “Play for Fun” mode as well as for cash.

Full Tilt

Full Tilt Poker provides some of the softest cash games in online poker and offers users a simple no-download software client for their Linux system. The Full Tilt software uses a Java based client which only supports cash poker games, but the site will soon add tournaments to the instant play version. Full Tilt has some cool features including the fast speed of its transactions and its unique multi-tabling features, and the site offers new players a 100% match bonus on their first deposit up to $600.

Partypoker

If you do not want to download an operating system emulator to play at Party Poker on a Linux powered computer, you can access the no download instant play version of their software. The quality of Partypoker’s instant play software makes it one of the best Linux poker sites. The BEta release of the no download software is currently available at Party Poker and includes all of the major features that you need to play poker at this Linux poker site

PokerStars

The world’s leading online poker site is also a great options for Linux players. The poker room supports WINE (a function which allows users to run the Windows operating system software from Linux, by installing the free open source emulator. This can transform most Windows sites into Linux poker sites). This version of the PokerStars software includes many of the same handy features and functions as the original version. Pokerstars has the widest selection of online poker games for Linux users along with some variants like Razz, Badugi Poker, HORSE and their new 8-Game stud. Tournaments are frequent and have millions of dollars in guaranteed prize money every week. The poker room attracts thousands of players during peak traffic hours, which means Linux players will have no problems finding a game of their choice. With PokerStars’ wide variety of payment options, there’ll be no problems depositing funds either.

Sky Poker

The poker site belonging to the British Sky Broadcasting company offers a well-rounded and popular poker playing experience. Sky provides a Java client which doesn’t require downloading. Users can play instantly, which is a big draw for Linux fans. There is also a Sky Poker download client which is available for players who wish to have a native client on their PC. The interface is quite simple to navigate and the various options on the software are pretty straightforward. Sky usually has a medium level of player traffic , many of whom are lured in by the novel opportunity to have their hands replayed on television, a feature which sets Sky Poker apart from all the rest.

Titanbet

Titan Poker is a popular skin on the iPoker Network which primarily attracts recreational players who are looking for a fun, enjoyable poker experience. A wide variety of games are on offer here, all found on Titan Poker’s excellent online poker software platform. The Flash Poker version of Titanbet Poker’s highly functional software gives users the opportunity to play online poker without the need to download or installing any software. Players can instantly get involved in Titanbet’s fast-paced free cash games and high octane poker tournaments.

William Hill

William Hill Poker is another top poker site with reliable Linux compatible software. Since William Hill is part of the iPoker network, Linux players using the site will be able to play in tournaments using the no download flash programme. William Hill’s impressive interface, its multiple currency options and wide range of games attract thousands of players to the site. All new Linux poker players joining William Hill will qualify for the 200% deposit bonus up to $2000. To use the Linux compatible software, simply click the “Instant Play” button located just below the download on William Hill Poker’s homepage.