Why would someone want to play poker on a cell phone? A few years ago, this would have been a valid questions. However, with the growth of online poker, many players would like the ability to play poker while they are on the go. The options for mobile poker are somewhat limited, but they do exist. Below are a few options for those that want to play poker on their cell phone.

The first site you should check out if you are interested in playing mobile poker on your phone is bwin.com. Bwin offers the bwin Poker pro application that can be used on a wide array of phones. In order to download the application, you need to have an account with bwin, and this can be easily done via their website.

Once you have and account, you can request that the link to the application be sent via SMS to your cell phone. After the link has been sent to you, you may download the application, which is around 327 kb in size. The application is java based, so be sure that your phone is java enabled.

When you have completed installation and run the application, you will be presented with a window to play for fun or play for real money. The only game offered on bwin mobile poker is Texas Holdem, but it is available in all variants. You can play Fixed Limit, Pot-Limit, and No Limit. Also, full ring games, short handed games, and heads-up games are offered.

The controls in the application are fairly easy to use with shortcut keys to speed up play. However, the speed of your game will depend greatly on your network speed. If you want to play for real money, it is recommended that you make a deposit via their website as the only options available via the mobile application are credit card, Paysafecard, and Freebet voucher.

RedKings Poker offers a mobile poker option for those wanting to play poker on their cell phone. Like Bwin, this site only offers Texas Holdem and offers it in all the typical variants. The only tournament action offered on this site is via their offline tournament mode, which is basically an offline sit & go.

To access RedKings mobile poker application, you will need to register for an account with their site and then have the download link sent to your cell phone. The only major drawback to RedKings is that it is only available on Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones.

If you are in the United States, right now the only option to play poker on your cell phone for real money is in BETA testing with Cake Poker. Cake Poker offers a mobile application, but at present it is only available to those with Windows Mobile on their phones. Users must have at least Windows Mobile 5.0 and may have to install Microsoft’s .NET Compact Framework.

As this is still a BETA application, there are still many features being worked out. For instance, you will need to login to the PC client for Cake Poker if you wish to make a deposit. Future releases will offer this feature. Also, according to Cake’s website, future releases will allow mobile poker tournaments for real money, a feature not offered on any mobile poker network.

At present, you can only play in Holdem cash games. If you choose to play here, be aware that you may be faced with potential bugs. However, every new room needs a chance to grow and this one shows a lot of potential. Also, this is a mobile poker option for those in the United States. That alone should drive some traffic to the site.

When choosing a mobile poker application, be sure to take a few minutes and check out the features of the games. Most mobile poker games offer an offline mode that allows you to play against a computerized player. This will give you a chance to get acclimated to the controls of the game. Since you are relying on a mobile keypad to conduct your betting actions, you want to make sure you are using the application correctly. It would be mildly embarrassing to attempt a small raise only to find you hit the all in key. A few minutes getting used to the controls will pay off with competent play.

Mobile poker for real money is a limited technology at present. Many online sites have not found the value in developing the applications, so those that offer it at present have a solid grasp on the mobile poker market. As technologies advance and poker rooms look to expand their user base, expect this to change. Do not be surprised that if down the road that PokerStars or Full Tilt mobile become a regular part of the mobile poker world. Until that time comes, choices may be limited, but they do exist.