Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling poker app brings fun without risking cash.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Zynga Poker
Privacy Rating Warning
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What's It About?
In ZYNGA POKER, the game is Texas Hold 'Em. The rule are fairly simple: Have the best hand at the table, and bet before each new card is laid down. It sounds easy, but there's a lot of strategy involved. Players can try their luck at single game tables or join high-stakes, longer lasting tournaments. You play against live players, but any interaction is limited to canned comments such as "nice hand" and "Well played". Reach certain milestones, such as leveling up (by playing a certain number of hands) or winning enough high stakes games, and you'll get a bonus of extra cash.
Is It Any Good?
Poker is a love it or hate it game -- often both, and this app perfectly encapsulates that feeling at the tables. Zynga Poker is a wonderful simulation of the game, in that you'll feel the rush of victory when the cards fall your way, but you'll grumble audibly when they don't. The stakes aren't quite as high, as the game is generous with its in-game cash up front and via its rewards program. So, with a little luck and smart wagering, you probably won't have to buy additional chips. Additionally, the games are friendly ones, with players congratulating each other when they win (or saying nothing) and without bullying or abusive behavior, which is a credit to the developer in a game this popular.
If you or your child has even the hint of an addictive personality, though, this game will engage it. And since gambling addiction is a real issue, that's something to beware of. The game is so well made that it's easy to ignore other responsibilities, even though you're playing with "fake" money. Kids who grow to love this game might try the real thing in a casino when they're old enough to get in and not realize that the stakes there are much different.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about risk versus reward. How do you know when to hold 'em, fold 'em, walk away and when to run?
Do you know or recognize the signs of gambling addiction? Can you tell why it's fine to have fun, but it's more important to know when to stop?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : February 4, 2019
- Genre : Casino Games
- Publisher : Zynga
- Version : 21.66
- Minimum software requirements : Requires iOS 8.0 or later; Requires Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated : January 20, 2025
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