BlackBerry Poker
There are many options for playing poker on a BlackBerry device. If you're using the native BlackBerry OS, however, you'll be limited to sites that support play through a web browser. Unfortunately, though it still supports, BlackBerry OS has been discontinued as of version 10, and there will be no new releases. Consequently, you'll find relatively few poker sites with native apps for the BlackBerry OS. There's no longer a future in supporting it.
The good news for BlackBerry enthusiasts is that the company is still going strong, and has pivoted to using Android as an operating system for its newer devices. You can still get the classic BlackBerry hardware design and keyboard, but now it is paired with the most widely supported mobile operating system used by poker rooms and online casinos.
The Player's Guide to BlackBerry Poker
This guide will discuss the options for playing real money poker with the native BlackBerry OS, as well as some free “play money” apps that might help sharpen your game. Interested in making the jump to a new BlackBerry that runs Android? We'll cover those options as well.
How To Play Real Money Poker On Your BlackBerry
All the major poker sites, such as PokerStars and Party Poker, have dropped their BlackBerry apps. It is essentially an extinct operating system. Any sites still offering a native BlackBerry app are likely to be small operations and should be scrutinized for legitimacy.
Honestly, if you love BlackBerry, the best option is to get a newer device that runs Android. Older BlackBerry devices are not designed to or capable of having new operating systems installed on them. If you need to play through BlackBerry OS, however, it may still be possible by accessing casinos and poker rooms through a web browser. Sites like 888Poker do offer “no download” poker play through a web browser, and if you search around you can find other options of this nature. You'll have a lot more luck playing video poker through a web browser than you will playing table poker, however.
Free Poker Options for Older BlackBerry Devices
Though real money poker play on the BlackBerry OS is virtually nonexistent, there are a number of neat games you can play for fun and to sharpen your skills. The Texas Hold'em Poker series by Gameloft is probably the most popular of these games on the device, with #3 being the most recent entry. You're able to play against both other BlackBerry users who have the game and computer AI opponents. Features include playing in famous settings like Las Vegas and Monaco, coaching to improve your game, and a “career mode” that lets you step into the shoes of a high-level pro. The Governor of Poker series is a similar set of three games that are also quite accessible and available for the BlackBerry OS.
You can also check out the World Series of Poker through your Facebook app. Though all the action is with play money (unless you happen to be in New Jersey or Nevada), you can earn virtual WSOP rings and sometimes there are actual prizes for tournament winners.
Making The Jump to Android Poker
You can limp along with browser-based poker options and free games on the BlackBerry OS for some time, but eventually, even these limited options will come to an end. At some point, if you want to play poker on a BlackBerry device, you're going to have to look at the newer devices that have Android installed on them.
The currently available crop of BlackBerry phones with Android includes the KEYone, PRIV, DTEK50, and DTEK60. The KEYone and PRIV are the ones to look at if you want the classic BlackBerry keyboard included; the KEYone has it fused to the bottom of the phone while the PRIV has the conventional slide-out keyboard. The DTEK50 and 60 are more entry-level versions that excise the physical keyboard, but make it available in an on-screen virtual form.
If you're looking to play poker, it's best to avoid the Passport, Classic, and Leap, as they come with BlackBerry 10 installed and it's complicated to remove that and add a new operating system.
And if you're making the jump to Android, be sure to check out our Android Poker section for even more great tips.
BlackBerry Poker Through a Browser or Android
Though the BlackBerry OS no longer functions, you can play poker and video poker through a web browser, and if you have a newer BlackBerry device running Android you've got the widest range of mobile real money games at your disposal.
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