For a long time PokerRoom.com was the only viable option to play online poker on your Macintosh computer, with it's no-download Java platform. Things seem to be changing fast with a number of new Mac poker offerings launched recently, including Pacific Poker.
The Macintosh platform is about 4 percent the size of the PC market, and is estimated to represent a virtually untapped 500 million dollar poker niche. To be successful in this market a full Macintosh compatible solution is required, because most Mac users don't want to invest in costly Windows emulator software.
Cassava Enterprises launched a new version of Pacific Poker last month, specially designed for the Mac platform. The Mac version has the same functionality as the PC version and is fully integrated with it, meaning Mac players can play and interact directly with all other (non Mac) players in the poker room.
Another new option for Mac users is GamesGrid Poker, operated by Skill Games Ltd. and licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (a member of the European Union). GamesGrid Poker currently offers Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, Lowball and Dealer's Choice. Both ring game and tournament formats are available.
The latest poker solution for the Macintosh platform is B2BPoker, a poker company from Sweden that exclusively targets the European poker market (real money play is in euros). The company launched it's poker software in September, 2004, and the Mac version was added earlier this week. The new java client can also be used on the Linux and Windows operating systems.