Whether you play poker for fun or for real money, in order to get the best out of your chosen online poker site it is advisable to play on the software available via the download. Poker online is usually provided in a choice of the download format or through a web browser, and although the “Instant Play” facility can be convenient at times, the Flash offering of the poker software is usually not the full version of the game and lacks certain features that players who have not performed the download miss out on.
Which Web Browser is best to Download Poker Online?
If you want to download poker online, all online poker sites offer software which is compatible with Internet Explorer. Although Firefox and Chrome are adequate alternatives to download poker online, the set-up files usually end up in a download folder which can make them difficult to identify if the file is simply called “install.exe” or “setup.exe” and you have more than one installation file kept in the folder. Although Internet Explorer can be painfully sluggish at times, it is still the best web browser to download poker online.
Which Operating System is best to Download Poker Online?
Not all online poker sites offer a poker download for Mac or Linux and therefore, if you have a choice, the best operating system to download poker online is Windows. Most poker downloads work on computers with Windows XP or later but it is always advisable to check the online poker site´s minimum system requirements before you start to download poker online if you have a computer more than five years old.
Registering and Verifying a Poker Account
Once the poker download is complete, the poker clients usually starts automatically, at which point you are asked to register an account. This usually takes a few minutes, after which you are able to deposit funds into your account and start playing real money poker games. However, as the object of playing poker online is to win money, before funding a poker account you should also take the trouble to verify your account, as players are often not allowed to withdraw funds from the site until this process has been completed.
Funding a Poker Account
Many online poker sites offer players welcome bonuses in the form of a 100% match of the funds initially deposited into their accounts. It is a good idea to keep an eye out for special deals offered by online poker sites to take advantage of any better offers which become available. For example, Bet365 are currently offering players who make their first poker deposit on their site a 200% match bonus on first deposits up to $1,000. In order to benefit from this offer, players would need to enter a special Bet365 referrer code when making their initial deposit into their poker account.
What Are Poker Referrer Codes?
Referrer codes – such as the Bet365 referrer code – advise the online poker site where their new clients have originated from and may influence their future marketing plans. As it is obviously in the best interests of the online poker site to channel their marketing in the direction which is producing the best results, this is why referrer codes exist. By entering the Bet365 referrer code when you make your first poker deposit on Bet365 Poker, they will know that their new client has originated from this site.
Ready to Start Playing Poker?
If you are ready to start playing poker, download online poker software from your preferred site and follow the simple installation instructions. Remember when creating your account to enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your chosen method of funding your account in order to make the verification process as straightforward as possible. It is also recommended to register an account in the same currency as your funding source in order to avoid foreign exchange fluctuations. Do not forget to look for special referrer codes such as the Bet365 referrer code to maximise the welcome bonus you will receive for making your first deposit and have fun!


