For some people, online poker is synonymous with high-stakes gambling and big risks. However, there is another, entirely risk-free, side to playing poker online that lots of casual players looking for a fun waste of time have come to find out.

Zynga Live Poker

For example, more than 12 million Facebook users are playing poker using the Texas Hold’em app by Zynga. With the facebook poker app, there’s no risk of losing any money, as you just play for “fun money.” The same opportunity has now opened up for mobile users with the release of Zynga Live Poker for the iPhone.

One of the strongest features of Zynga’s Texas holdem app is the option to connect with the Facebook version, so in other words you can log into your Facebook account and play poker with opponents from your friends list.

The poker app itself is nothing spectacular but does what it’s supposed to and does it well. It has a lot in common with conventional online poker rooms, and has a similarly short learning curve. If you have played at an online poker room before you can jump into the action right away.

Apple Texas Hold’em

If you don’t feel the need to connect with your Facebook friends and play online, but prefer an amusing poker game by yourself, Apple’s own Texas Hold’em title is also a great iPhone poker game. You don’t have to play by yourself either - up to eight of your friends can face each other over Wi-Fi.

Like most applications developed by Apple, Texas Hold’em is both easy to learn and inventive. The iPhone touch screen is put to good use in Apple’s Texas Hold’em - you drag your chips across the screen to go all-in, and tap the table to check. The game also takes full advantage of the iPhone’s visual capabilities and provides excellent graphics.

While there are lots of other poker related apps available at the App Store as well, these two are definitely among the top picks.