Hello I have worked with poker app before .
The route that we follow will depend on the platforms that you want to deliver.
If you want just android app then we can go with GCM on PHP server coupled with node.js
If you are looking for multiplatform we can go with custom xmpp and node.js
Also I suppose this game will have all standard functions like rooms, sit n go , tournaments, credits.
We can go with paypl to buy credits if its international or local patm it is local
Thanks