The Apple iPad is set to completely revolutionize the nature of gaming. While the iPhone and iPod Touch gave us a glimpse of what a full multi-touch gaming device is capable of, the iPad brings this experience to us with a full-sized screen. Some of the funnest and most popular games on the iPad will undoubtedly be casino games. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as if you can play these games for real money yet. However, there are a few casino games which let you hone your skills, play with your friends, and otherwise have a lot of fun. Let’s take a look at the top five casino games currently available to download for the iPad.

1. Texas Hold’em (Apple) – $4.99

It’s hard to create a list of the best iPad casino games without mentioning this official game created by Apple. This game has everything you’d expect in a game made by Apple. The graphics are beautiful, and the gameplay is intuitive. You can easily set up a match against your friend via a Wi-Fi connection. Depending on whether you hold the iPad in landscape or portrait mode, you can get a different view of the action. In-game tips, strategies and hints make this game top-notch.

2. World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend (Glu) – $2.99

This is a high quality poker game released in November 2009. You can play against your friends via Bluetooth, or play against players from all over the world on your internet connection. This game is based on the number one brand in poker – the WSOP. What poker player doesn’t dream of getting his shot at the World Series? You get to play in authentic venues, and you can even save your favorite hands so that you can show your friends the huge bluff you made or the unbelievable lucky draw of your opponent.

3. Blackjack (MobilityWare) – $0.99

MobilityWare makes the most popular blackjack app in the AppStore. If you don’t want to pay the 99 cents, then you can opt for the free ad-supported version. This game is designed to emulate the real world conditions of a Las Vegas blackjack game. Although you don’t play for real money, you can practice and hone your skills for the times when you do actually sit down at a real money table. This is a great game if you want to practice your card counting skills so that you can finally beat the dealer.

4. Big Spin Slots (Electron Hut) – $1.99

This is an extremely popular slots game for the iPad. It features a traditional 3-line slot machine display rather than the confusing 50-line slot machines you sometimes get from other apps or in Vegas. You can simply shake your iPad to begin spinning the wheels, and then touch them via the full interactive interface to stop them. Big Spin Slots also features a bonus game that resembles a wheel of fortune spinning wheel. This is the type of game you won’t be able to put down because you want just one more spin.

5. Aw Craps! (24x7digital) – $1.99

This is by far the most realistic craps game in the App Store. It features audio to simulate the calls of the dealer, and the dealer will even give you hints and tips on how you can place your bets. The dice rolling is probably the coolest experience that has ever been developed. It is 3D and fully realistic. You can gently shake your iPad to joggle the dice in your hand, or shake it hard to roll the dice. The dealer will give you a warning if you don’t throw the dice hard enough. This is an extremely high quality game.

By Barbara Mae
Find reviews on the best iPad games at AppCraver.com, a website dedicated to app reviews for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices.