888poker, a pioneer in online poker since 2002, has experienced both highs and lows over its two-decade run. Originally known as Pacific Poker, 888poker has evolved significantly, but all poker rooms have plusses and problems. Sometimes, it’s useful to know what other poker players are saying and get 888poker opinions from people like you.
This review examines the current state of 888 Poker, exploring its features, strengths, and weaknesses based on player opinions.
A Short Summary of 888poker
Over the course of more than 20 years of operation, the 888poker brand has changed and evolved:
- Used to rank in the top 3 by number of players.
- Was formerly a main sponsor of the WSOP.
- Left the US market.
- Returned to the US market, but only partially.
- Grew into a full-fledged network that included Lotos Poker, Lucky Ace Poker, and 888poker.
- Abandoned the network model in favor of a single room (888poker).
As of March 2024, the 888 Network was not in the best shape, though far from down and out. The owner of the room, 888 Holdings, focused on promoting more profitable areas of the business. The priority of the online casino and bookmaker had a negative impact on the poker section.
However, there are still arguments in favor of playing at 888poker. The key ones are:
- First Deposit Bonus: 100% up to $1,000
- No-Deposit Bonus: Up to $88 in free rewards without adding funds to your account.
- Tracker and statistics software compatibility
- Relatively weak competition
- User-friendly mobile app
- Abundance of freeroll tournaments
888 Poker keeps its game selection straightforward, focusing on No-Limit Texas Holdem and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Cash Games on 888poker:
The room primarily offers cash games and tournaments, with limits ranging from NL2 to NL5,000 for cash games. Fast-fold poker, known as Snap, is available for limits NL2-NL200.
Tournaments on 888poker:
MTTs (multi-table tournaments) at 888 Poker have decent guarantees and much smaller fields compared to major competitors. Of course, the brand also offers Spins, called BLAST in this case. Buy-ins for these 3-way hyper turbo events range from 10 cents to $100.
While the site lacks large tournament series like the PokerStars Sunday Million found on other platforms, it offers a unique opportunity to compete against fewer opponents, often 200-300 players. This can be particularly appealing for players looking to build their bankrolls or those who prefer less crowded fields.
Real Player Opinions on 888 Poker
Real player feedback provides valuable insights into 888 Poker's strengths and weaknesses:
- Customer Support: Many players report poor experiences with support. Issues with verification and unclear communication are common complaints. Some users have spent weeks communicating with room representatives without receiving clear answers.
- Software Quality: The poker client is often described as outdated compared to industry leaders. Despite a recent update, it still lags behind competitors. Players frequently mention that the software feels outdated and in their opinions, lacks modern features found on other sites.
- Withdrawal Difficulties: Some players have faced challenges when cashing out. There have been instances of funds being incorrectly classified as bonus money, leading to disputes with support. One notable case involved a player having $6,000 incorrectly written off, which was only resolved after public disclosure and intervention.
- Positive Aspects: Players appreciate the abundance of freerolls and the user-friendly mobile app. Also, the No-Deposit Bonus is one of the main reasons many recreational players give this site a shot. The offer of free tickets and other rewards just for signing up is not found in almost any other poker room.
The 888poker Bonus Program and Promotions
888 Poker offers a welcome bonus and various promotions to attract and retain players:
• 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000 (promo code: WELCOME100).
• Up to $88 for new players who make their first deposit.
• Regular freeroll tournaments with substantial prizes.
The first deposit bonus gives players 90 days to wager and claim their bonus funds. The minimum deposit to qualify is $10. Free tournament tickets provide an opportunity for new players to build a bankroll from scratch.
However, the rakeback program is not particularly competitive, offering only about 5% return on rake. This is significantly lower than some other poker rooms in the market, which may be a drawback for high-volume players.
888poker Freerolls
888 Poker places a strong emphasis on freeroll tournaments as part of its promotional strategy. These free-to-enter tournaments often feature substantial prize pools and serve as a great way for new players to build their bankrolls without risk.
You’ll notice the regular freerolls in the tournament lobby, but limited and private ones will also be there. For example, any first-time depositor has a chance to enter a closed freeroll with around $1,000 in prize money. Tickets for similar-sized free tournaments will also be given out regularly, either for spinning the promotion wheel in the 888 app or for meeting other requirements.
888 will also set up freerolls to promote events, like the one below for their Manchester series. Sites like partypoker have far more freerolls than 888, but these $1,000 free events are tough to pass on.
888 Poker remains a significant name in online poker, offering a mix of positive features and areas for improvement. While it provides attractive bonuses, promotions, and a good selection of freerolls, issues with customer support and software quality have been noted by players. The smaller tournament fields and relatively weak competition can be appealing, but the limited game selection and low rakeback may deter others.
As with any poker site, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and preferences before committing to play. Consider factors such as your location, preferred game types, and desired features when making your decision.
Remember, the online poker landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest developments and player opinions to ensure you're making the best choice for your poker journey.
