_ So you’ve just gotten your hands on a shiny new HTC or Samsung Android phone and you’re contemplating playing a few hands of Texas Hold’em or Omaha poker on your new mobile device.

Here is a brief guide for new mobile poker players that answers many of the most common questions.

Why should I start playing poker on my Android phone?
Many people are happy to just play poker on their laptop or desktop and wonder if there is any need to a mobile poker app.  I was one of those people who didn’t see the point, until one day I downloaded a poker app out of curiosity and now I couldn’t live without it.  Here's a few reasons why...

Mobile poker is great because you can play it just about anywhere.  On a train, waiting outside a changing room for your wife, in a doctor’s waiting room, sitting in a bar, at boring conference call.  I play mobile poker just about everywhere these days (except when I’m operating heavy machinery).

Even when I’m at home, I now tend to play poker on my Droid or iPad more than I do on my laptop.  Waiting for PC’s to boot up is just too frustrating, especially when you just want to play a few quick games.

Playing poker using a touchscreen is also way for fun than using a mouse.  It makes you feel much more connected with the game and is a much more natural way to interact with the game.

Why can’t I find any real money poker apps in the Android Market?
Google made the decision to not allow gambling related material or games into their app store, so you won’t find your favourite PokerStars or Party Poker app in the Android Market.  Instead you can just download them direct for either the poker rooms website or from independent app stores, such as Getjar, Handango, Mobihand, Appoke, SlideMe, YAAM Market and more.

The majority of real money poker apps developed theses days are actually web based so you don’t even need to download an app, you can just play from your Android’s Chrome browser.  The advantage of these mobile poker apps is that they are compatible with every type of smartphone, which is great news if you want to play against some of your friends who use iPhones, Windows Phone or BlackBerrys.

Can I play mobile poker for free?
Not everybody wants to play mobile poker cash games all the time.  Sometimes it’s nice to unwind by playing a few hands of mobile poker just for the fun of it.  The good news is that most mobile poker rooms offer “Play for Fun” tables that allow you play against other players just for kicks.

Are Android poker apps expensive?
No, infact every poker app listed on AndroidPokerApps.com is completely free to download and use.  You only need to get your credit card out if you decide to take a seat at a “Real Money” table.

Which mobile poker rooms accept players from the United States?
In early 2011, Full Tilt Poker released an Android poker app called Rush Poker Mobile.  Unfortunately, they ran into some legal difficulties with the authorities in the U.S. and had to shut down.  Since then, no other online poker room has developed a mobile poker game for U.S. players.

Do I need to create a different account to play poker on my Android?
No, if you are already a member of Bwin, Terminal Poker, mFortune or any of the other poker rooms listed on this website, then you don’t need to register again to start playing mobile poker on your Droid.  Just download the app and start playing.

Is there a PokerStars app for Androids?
No, but they are currently developing a real money mobile poker app for both Android and iOS devices.  It is due to be launched in early 2012.

Can I fund my account from my smartphone?
Yes, most mobile poker rooms now allow you to deposit or withdraw money from your Android phone or tablet.  However, you may first need to login to their main website to register a Credit Card.

What is the best mobile poker room?
This is a tricky question because it depends on what you are looking for.  If you are looking to play a few quick hands and you don’t have time to wait around, then we would recommend Terminal Poker.  Bwin offers the largest mobile poker network, with thousands of players online 24/7.  If you like playing poker rooms with plenty of players at all levels, then Bwin is for you.

Which mobile poker rooms offers the biggest bonuses?
One of the great things about signing up with a new Android poker rooms are the generous welcome bonuses on offer.  Most mobile poker rooms double your first deposit and some even offer no deposit bonuses to get you started.

Do any Android poker rooms offer Rakeback?
Yes, Terminal Poker currently offers 30% rakeback to all its players.