The Truth About Linux and Java

Linux Poker is a lot more popular than people give it credit for. Unfortunately, there just aren’t many online poker rooms who truly cater to Linux users. If you are running a Linux operating system, and enjoy playing online poker, you may find the information in this article particularly valuable.

The fact is, there is no downloadable poker software designed specifically to run on Linux. In fact, there’s hardly any poker software downloads designed for Mac either – Windows PC takes all the dominant glory in the online poker industry. While Mac users will find a few poker sites out there with a downloadable poker client, Linux users are left in the cold.

It’s not clear why no one bothers to develop a Linux-compatible online poker platform, aside from the fact that Windows has a lot more users, but it is clear that Linux poker players can find a way around this dilemma.

There are three viable options for Linux poker players:

- Java Poker
- Linux Poker w/ WINE
- Run Windows on Linux

For all of you Linux users out there who absolutely despise running Windows, we’ll simply eliminate that last option. Yes, it’s an option, but the reason you chose Linux was to avoid running Windows, right? So long as you know it’s an option, we will just move on. That leaves us with… Linux Poker versus Java Poker.

Linux Poker

In order to play Linux Poker, you will need to run a free program known as “WINE”. This is a small, free program that runs in the background, allowing Linux poker fans to run Windows-based program on a Linux system.

We highly recommend playing Linux Poker rather than Java-based poker applets. The reason is quite simple. The downloadable version of any poker software is always more functional, flexible and certainly more visually appealing.

Playing Linux poker is also more convenient for players who use the same computer, day in and day out. By downloading the software, you have immediate access to the online poker room directly on your desktop, without having to visit the web site and wait for the instant-play, Java program to load.

Java Poker

Java Poker isn’t a bad option. In fact, the actual game play tends to mirror that of the downloadable poker client. The graphics may not be as clear, but once the Java applet is loaded, the speed and playability are about the same. Java is 100% compatible with all major operating systems, including Linux, Mac and Windows PC.

What gives Java poker an advantage over Linux poker, however, is its sheer versatility. If you are not using the same computer on a regular basis, it can be much more convenient to simply load up the Java version from the web site, enter your login/password and get into the action. Having to download the WINE software, plus the poker client, on multiple systems can be too much of a pain for most.

WINE for Linux Poker

Running WINE for Linux is a very simple process that should in no way interrupt your normal operation or speed. Download the Install.exe file to your /tmp directory. Then run the poker client’s install file. Next, you’ll need to reboot WINE by typing “wineboot”. From there, you should be able to play online poker on your Linux with no delay.