Linux Compatible Pokies
Linux continues to be a lesser-known but increasingly popular option for tech-savvy computer users looking for an open source operating system. About 1.5 percent of all desktop computers now use Linux, which means that while not as popular as Windows or even Mac computers, Linux machines are used by millions of people worldwide.
With all those people using Linux distributions, it is no surprise that many ask questions about playing online pokies on a Linux operating system. The truth is that whether you are using Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora or some other distribution, Linux users have access to almost all of the top pokies you can play online.
Can I Play Online Pokies on a Linux Machine?
The short answer to this question is yes, though it isn’t always simple to make every online casino play nicely with every Linux setup. In some cases, nearly all of the pokies at a given casino site will be available to you; in other cases, you may have to live with a smaller selection of games.
In general, there are two ways for Linux users to access Internet poker machines: either through the use of instant play casino sites or by using programs such as Wine to use downloadable software meant for Windows.
Playing No Download Pokies
The first—and more popular—of these two options is to use a no download casino. Today, almost all online casinos offer no download pokies for players, as they are a convenient method for all users, no matter what operating system they might be using.
In order to start using no download casino sites, you’ll want to make sure you are using a web browser that is up to date and compatible with sites that use Flash, Java, or any other framework that the online casino you want to use might require. Just about any browser will do, as long as you can generally access most modern websites using it.
Once your browser is set up, you’ll need to visit the website of an online casino that offers a no download option for playing. Once you sign up for an account at that site, you’ll be able to play most or all of their games, including poker machines, right in your web browser. Since these instant play casinos don’t discriminate based on your operating system, this is usually the easiest option.
Using Wine and Other Emulators
Occasionally, you may find an online pokie that is only available through downloadable software. These software programs are normally created for Windows, meaning it takes something of a workaround in order to play these games on a Linux machine.
Luckily, it isn’t necessarily impossible to make this work. Programs such as Wine are designed to add Windows compatibility to Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, allowing users to access Windows programs from within their Linux distribution.
Wine is not a catch all solution, however. While some programs work flawlessly in Wine, others don’t work at all, while many others have limited functionality. This means that your mileage may vary from site to site, and if one casino’s software doesn’t work, it may be worth trying another to see if you have any more luck. There are also other emulators available for Linux systems that may provide access to some online casino programs.
Alternatives to Linux Pokies
If these options aren’t appealing to you, there are other ways to enjoy online pokies without switching to a computer that uses a Windows or Mac operating system.
For instance, you might want to give mobile pokies a try. Most online pokies are now available on both smartphones and tablets, and can be played on iPhones, iPads, or Android devices. While the selection of games isn’t quite as big on these devices, options are improving all the time, and this could be a viable alternative if playing on your Linux machine isn’t working for you.