Poker Software - Different Types and How To.......

The term poker software actually covers two distinct and different types of software in poker - namely the software platform that each poker room or network operates on, and the software that runs the poker tools which help you make choices in games or provides extra information.

The poker software that operates the online poker rooms is at the core of any poker operation - it controls the games, the look and feel of the site - working to ensure that the playing experience is reliable and trouble free. From the games themselves through to deposit options, site security, and Customer support, the poker software operating the platform is critical to it's success. The poker software which runs the rooms is normally provided free by the poker sites for you to download.

Many of the popular online poker sites run on poker networks which all use the same poker software as the basis of their operation. These networks include well known names such as Playtech, Microgaming, and Boss Media. When you choose to play at a site which operates on a network it generally means you'll be playing with a bigger number of players which results in increased prizes and competition.

Not all poker rooms operate as part of a network, with a couple of good examples being PKR and Pacific Poker, which both run on their own proprietary poker software.