In the beginning of our Mac article, I mentioned that Mac users got the short end of the stick for the longest time because online casinos didn’t have compatible software for them.
Well, if Macs got the short end of the stick, then I guess you could say that Linux users never got a piece of it at all. Linux is a cool operating system in it’s own right, but there just aren’t enough Linux gambling enthusiasts for online casinos to justify creating a download just for them.
That doesn’t mean Linux users cannot play online blackjack though. Most sites offer no download versions using HTML5. That means you can play on any device including linux computers. (We also offer a free html5 blackjack game).
Of the options we recommend going with Java, html 5 or Flash casinos because they are convenient and easy to setup. You can be up and running in a matter of minutes – literally.
Does that sound good to you? Then choose from one of our handpicked Java or Flash casinos below.
Guide to Playing Real Money Online Blackjack on Linux
We receive questions all the time from beginners asking us how to play blackjack online using Linux. So we created this guide below to help you all out.
What Options Do Linux Users Have?
If Linux users want to play blackjack online, they’ll have to do so using one of the following options:
- Wine – Wine is an emulator that enables you to run Windows programs on Linux operating systems. It’s an open source program that’s updated regularly. You can download it free at WineHQ.org.
- No Download Casinos – No download casinos are also known as instant play, browser, Flash and Java casinos. There is no download. These games are embedded into the backend of the casino. All you need to do is log-in, choose your game and play.
Both options are free. Going the no download route is faster to start and more convenient because you can play from any computer. If you don’t plan to run Windows on your computer than that’s definitely the way I’d go.
How to Get Started with No Download Games
It’s easy to get started with no download games.
All you need to do is visit the casino and create an account. If you plan to play blackjack for free than you may not need to create an account. This depends on the casino, though.
Once you’ve created and verified your account, you’ll log-in to the casino. From here you’ll make a deposit, choose your game and play.
You should be able to get started in a matter of minutes. It depends on how long it takes for your deposit to clear.
Benefits to No Download Linux Casinos
I prefer no download games over any other option. Here’s why:
- You can play no download games from any computer that has internet access.
- No download games require no download. You don’t have to clutter your hard drive with lots of heavy files and images.
- No updates necessary. Downloadable software needs to be updated periodically.
The only downside to no download games is that there are (usually) fewer games. Casinos will cut the lesser popular table games and variations. You should still have 50-75% of the downloadable games, though. So at least 60 games.
Is There Anything Special About Linux Casinos?
Not really. Linux casinos will be identical in terms of deposit options, support, promotions and how the games are played.
There are a couple of differences compared to downloadable casinos, though. One difference will be lower quality graphics, which is hardly noticeable in my experience. You will also have to install Flash or Java to your computer, both of which are free. I recommend installing both, but at the very least Adobe Flash since that’s what most casinos use.
What is the Best Browser for Instant Play Games?
Any browser that is compatible with the Macromedia Flash, Shockwave or Java plug-ins should be fine. I’ve had no problem using Firefox or Internet Explorer. I’ve heard that Opera works fine, too.
