888Poker has risen to become the second most played poker site in the world. Originally launched in 2002, 888 Poker is operated by Cassava Enterprises, a subsidiary of 888 Holdings, who are based and licensed in Gibraltar. In addition to being listed on the London Stock Exchange, this company has always taken steps to ensure they operate within the law. This was proven by their quick exit from the US market after UIGEA was passed in 2006, which allowed them to team up with WSOP owners, Caesars Entertainment in 2013, to provide software in regulated States. This detailed review focuses on their main global site.
You can play at 888Poker by downloading their client for Windows or Mac computers. This allows you to access their full range of games including the innovative PokerCam tables. If you are on a public computer you can still access most games via the in-browser ’Instant Play’ option, or you can download the highly playable app, which is compatible with both iOS or Android devices.
Here you can find out what to expect on 888Poker. Starting with the different cash games and tournaments on offer, you can then discover what bonuses you can claim, and how to get your money onto and off of the site.
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Cash Games on 888 Poker
At 888Poker you can find many different variations of No Limit Hold’em, with stakes ranging from cents up to $25/$50 in regular games. A lot of the action takes place on the 6-max tables, although there are plenty of 9-max and Heads-Up tables too. Other games include Pot Limit Omaha and Seven Card Stud, available in Hi/Lo as well as high only and Limit and Pot Limit Holdem. Instead of the usual ‘cash games’ tab, 888’s software divides their lobby directly to the different game types.
One thing that really makes 888Poker stand out is the different features they add to their games. You can discover ‘Snap Poker’, 888’s fast fold game, along with a Jackpot tables which pay out when you get Four-of-a Kind, and delivers a larger prize when a Spade Royal Flush is hit. There are unique variations here too, like the Show-Me tables where the winner always shows their hand, PokerCam games with everyone’s webcams on display, and Push or Fold tables where your only move other than folding is to go all-in!
Overall the traffic is very good with a large number of players from Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia. The level of competition is also very soft, with plenty of new players coming over from the attached casino and sportsbook, especially in the lower buy-in games.
888 Poker Tournaments
888Poker provides a full schedule of multi-table tournaments which run around the clock. Regular buy-ins range from 1c upwards, providing something for every bankroll. 888 has a good schedule of featured guarantees, collectively known as Fish’N’Chips, which have buy-ins from $1 up to $30. You can also find satellites to many of these, along those to the larger weekly tournaments like the $109 Sunday Crocodile, $600 Whale and $215 Mega Deep, which has a $100,000 guarantee.
For those looking to take a shot at live events, 888Poker provides plenty of opportunities. Previously 888 has sponsored their own international live events the ‘888Poker Super Stack’, along with sending players to major events like the WPT and Battle of Malta. Throughout the year you can find Satellites and Steps tournaments where you can win a package to the WSOP, which 888 is now a major sponsor of. In the run up to this Las Vegas summer event, the site traditionally offers many great value packages.
Sit & Go players can find a full range of games, played at regular, turbo and super turbo speeds. Like the ring games, most of the action here is on the 6-max tables, although there are still many full ring, 4-max and Heads-up games running, both as single table tournaments and multi-tables. Some SNGs include 888 fun features, such as PokerCams and Show Me games, and you can also find familiar Double or Nothing and Steps formats.
Bonuses and Promotions from 888 Poker
New players on 888Poker can get $88 of free play, or £20 for UK residents, in addition to a 100% deposit match Welcome Bonus up to $400. Your first deposit will also gain you access to eight First Depositors Freerolls, seven with prize-pools of $500 each and one with a $1000 prize.
Bonuses are cleared by paying rake and tournament fees in real money games, for which you receive status points. One free play dollar is worth 2.5 status points and one bonus dollar is worth 10. Once you have gain the equivalent of $10 in points, $10 from your bonus fund is released into your account as cash. Welcome bonuses expire after 90 days of being activated.
Status points do not just release bonuses; they are the key to 888’s Poker Rewards program. This is a tiered loyalty scheme, giving out more points, along with exclusive tournaments and offers, as you level improves. Once you have accumulated enough, your status points can be exchanged for cash bonuses, tournament entries or items from the store. Items vary from 888 merchandise to top end electrical goods and even a Harley Davison motorbike or Porsche sports car.
888Poker also run many promotions which are constantly changing. These include lots of freerolls, competitions between countries, social media offers and linked promotions to their sportsbook and casino.
Deposits and Withdrawals at 888 Poker
Finding the right deposit option is made easy at 888, as these are filtered by your specific country. The site accepts payments from major e-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill and PayPal, along with PaySafeCard prepaid vouchers, or you can make a direct transfer from your bank. Many will choose the easiest option of just using a credit or debit card, and Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are all welcome.
Withdrawals are processed for free back via the method in which you deposited. If this is not possible, then you will have to option of requesting a Wire Transfer or Bank Draft.
888 Poker Positives
888Poker is a highly trusted and respected name – it is even listed on the London Stock Exchange. The competition is soft and traffic is good, with a good spread of games running at anytime, including unique feature, like PokerCam tables.
You can enjoy 888Poker anywhere, through their very solid mobile app, desktop download or flash powered Instant Play client. New players can claim a healthy 100% matched bonus up to $400.
888 Poker Negatives
Throughout its history 888’s poker client has been notoriously buggy, and prone to crashing and disconnecting. While the software nowadays is far better than before, these old issues can appear again from time to time.
888 Poker – Summing It Up
As online poker has evolved, and so has 888. Now one of the leading online gaming brands, this company delivers a top quality poker product, which provides an ideal balance for novice and serious players alike. There are a great range of games and promotions, with something for every bankroll whether you play cash games or tournaments.