Get 888 Poker Review
888 Poker is owned by Cassava Enterprises, and was launched in 2002. Because of the UIGEA of 2006, U.S. players are not accepted, but the site remains very popular in the European market. The primary language supported is English, however, most European languages are also supported. With approximately 2,000 ring game players and 8,000 tournament players logged at peak hours, 888 Poker is not the highest traffic site, but the site is known for its soft competition, guaranteeing a good overall experience for players.
Games
A player at 888 Poker can choose between the most popular games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha hi-lo, 7-stud and 7-stud hi-lo. Beginning or inexperienced players looking to improve their game can play practice games for no money. This is also a good option for people who want to play but have a smaller or limited bankroll.
Tournaments
888 Poker is an excellent site for the small stakes tournament player. There are not a lot of large buy-in tournaments to attract the very strong players, meaning a decently skilled player has a very good chance at winning the tournaments that are offered.
Every week, 888 Poker offers the $100,000 Sunday Challenge, for a very reasonable $75 buy in.
Software
In the past, the 888 Poker gaming software was notorious for its poor quality. Players were not able to multi-table, which is normally one of the biggest advantages to playing online. However, great improvements have been made to the software and it’s now among the industry leaders. Graphics are crisp, clean and pleasing to the eye. Players are now able to multi-table, and can easily access the cashier. Their software is compatible with Mac, Linux and Windows.
888 Poker is dedicated to providing a safe and secure gaming environment for players – they have a zero tolerance policy for cheating and are rigorous in ensuring the security of every player’s account information and funds. Players can feel confident knowing they are in good hands at 888 Poker, which is certified by online authorities McAfee, TRUSTe and eCOGRA.
Features
888 Poker offers a “How to Play” section with a comprehensive set of FAQs to help a new player orient himself to the site. There is also a community section with player blogs, forums, and Facebook and Twitter feeds where players can connect with other players, and keep abreast of latest developments.
Bonuses and Promotions
888 Poker offers an amazingly generous double welcome bonus for new players –an instant 25% bonus of up to $100 added when an account is created and a 100% match of up to $400 for a player’s first deposit. There are also ongoing promotions for existing players, so be sure to check out their website often. 888 Poker also offers a rewards program and a VIP program. Every player is automatically entered into the rewards program. Players can earn both status and reward points. Players earn reward points with every dollar they play.
Reward points can be cashed in, or redeemed for merchandise in their online store. The higher status levels, players become eligible for different promotions and tournaments, and their reward points are worth more.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 888 Poker rake rate is higher than most other poker rooms. Standard rake at most sites is 5% with a cap at $3. At 888 Poker, the cap is $4 for limit games of $3 – $6 to $30 – $60. However, if you take into consideration the bonuses and promotions available, the rake percentage difference is miniscule.
Customer Support
Knowledgeable and friendly customer support is available via phone, email, and live chat. Most questions will be answered fairly quickly, but you may need to wait a bit longer to have more complicated issues addressed.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Players have many options for depositing funds into their accounts, including Visa Credit/Debit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Moneybookers and several others. The minimum deposit is $10/€10/£10 and your funds will be available within minutes of an electronic transaction.
Withdrawal options include wire transfers, bank drafts (you will receive a check in the mail) or using the WebMoney service. There are no fees charged for withdrawing funds. Please note that withdrawals may take up to three days (72 hours) to complete.
Conclusion
Non-U.S. players looking for a great gaming experience should definitely check out 888 Poker. Generous bonuses, soft competition and frequent tournaments guarantee a player will do well here. And top-notch security and software means a player can feel confident that their accounts are in good hands.
