Apple Macintosh PC users are struggling to utilise online gambling rooms, as poker sites often do not cater for Mac machines.

Apple PCs have an almost cult following of users who prefer them to the alternative, and much more widespread, Windows-based PCs – but they are being virtually ignored by internet poker sites.

Apple Mac PCs operate on a different system to the Windows-based machines, meaning Mac users must shell out for a 'PC emulator' to convert the internet gaming sites to their machines.

Some of the most popular sites on the internet, such as PartyPoker.com, EmpirePoker.com and UltimateBet.com do not offer specific software to run their poker tables on Mac machines.

However, programmes such as Microsoft's Virtual PC can cost between $130 and $250 (£74 to £141) – an added expense many gamers are unwilling to pay.

Nevertheless, some sites are starting to catch on with Pacific Poker recently releasing Mac-PacificPoker.com – a site that allows owners of Apple Macs to play poker online without a PC emulator.

Until others follow suit, it seems the online poker industry may be missing out on a potential untapped market of new poker players.