888poker Review: An In-Depth Look for 2024

888poker has been a mainstay in the online poker scene for years, renowned for its casual player base and continuous innovation. In this detailed review, we’ll examine every facet of the platform, from player numbers and software to commission (rake), bonuses, and payout speeds, providing you with the information you need to decide if 888poker is the right platform for your game.

Player Traffic & Game Quality

888poker consistently boasts a healthy player population, peaking at 30,000+ players during European evenings and weekends. This strong traffic results in a lively ecosystem across various stakes and game types. The main attraction for many is the relatively weaker player skill level. Compared to other major poker sites, 888poker tends to attract more recreational players, often drawn in by the site’s marketing and user-friendly interface. This makes it a potentially lucrative environment for experienced players who can profit from less skilled opponents.

Ring game (cash game) action is readily available, particularly at the micro and low limits. You’ll find plenty of tables running from NL2 to NL200, with decent action even at NL400 during peak hours. Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), and Stud games are offered, but the traffic is significantly lower compared to No-Limit Hold’em. Expect to find a few PLO tables running up to PLO100, but higher limits are rare. The table selection process is straightforward, allowing you to easily identify tables with higher average pot sizes, a good indicator of a more loose and aggressive game.

The overall game quality tends towards the softer side, especially at the lower limits. Expect to encounter players making loose calls, chasing draws aggressively, and generally deviating from optimal poker strategy. This makes 888poker an excellent platform for honing your fundamental skills and building your bankroll. While higher limit games naturally attract more experienced players, the general player pool remains softer than sites like PokerStars.

Software & Features

888poker’s software has undergone significant improvements in recent years. The desktop client is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The lobby design is modern, allowing you to quickly filter games by limit, game type, and number of players. The table interface is visually appealing and customizable, allowing you to adjust the felt color, card backs, and other visual elements to your preference.

The mobile app is a strong contender, offering a seamless and responsive experience on both iOS and Android devices. You can access the full range of games and features, including multi-tabling (up to four tables simultaneously), making it ideal for playing on the go. The app is well-optimized for mobile devices, ensuring smooth gameplay even on weaker internet connections.

HUD (Heads-Up Display) support is permitted on 888poker, which is a major plus for serious grinders. Popular HUDs like Holdem Manager and PokerTracker are compatible, allowing you to track your opponents’ statistics and make more informed decisions at the tables. This gives a significant edge to players who utilize HUDs effectively.

Beyond the standard features, 888poker offers several unique elements:

• Blast Poker: A fast-paced Sit & Go variant where the prize pool is randomly determined before the game begins.
• SNAP Poker: A fast-fold poker format that allows you to instantly fold your hand and be moved to a new table with a new hand.
• Webcam Poker: A unique feature that allows you to play poker with your webcam turned on, adding a social element to the game. (Note: This feature is not as widely used as it once was).

Overall, 888poker’s software is user-friendly, stable, and offers a solid suite of features for both casual and serious players. The availability of HUD support is a significant advantage for those looking to gain an edge.

Commission (Rake) & Rewards

Commission (Rake) is a crucial factor for any poker player, and 888poker’s commission structure is fairly standard for the industry. Commission percentages typically range from 5% to 5.5%, capped at varying amounts depending on the limit and game type. While this isn’t the absolute lowest commission available, it’s competitive with other major online poker rooms.

The real value comes from 888poker’s rewards program, which offers up to 36% in Club Points. This is achieved by accumulating points through playing real-money games. These points can then be redeemed for cash, tournament tickets, and other rewards. The higher your VIP level, the more valuable your points become.

For grinders, the 36% rewards can significantly boost your win rate and offset the commission paid. While it requires consistent play to reach the higher VIP levels, the rewards are worthwhile. For casual players, the rewards program still offers value, as you’ll earn points simply by playing your favorite games. Even at the lower VIP levels, you can expect to receive a decent return on your commission.

Compared to some other sites that offer tiered rewards programs with lower entry points, 888poker’s program requires more dedication to maximize the rewards. However, the potential for 36% rewards is a significant incentive for serious players.

Tournaments & Freerolls

888poker boasts a diverse tournament schedule with a wide range of buy-ins, catering to players of all skill levels and bankrolls. The MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) schedule features daily, weekly, and monthly events with guaranteed prize pools. These guarantees are generally met, ensuring that tournaments run smoothly and offer good value. Popular events include the “The Whale” and various Sunday Majors with significant prize pools.

The site also offers a variety of freerolls, providing a risk-free opportunity for players to build their bankrolls. These freerolls often attract large fields, but they can be a good starting point for new players.

888poker’s equivalent to Spin & Gos is called BLAST Tournaments. These are fast-paced, four-handed Sit & Go tournaments where the prize pool is randomly determined before the game begins. The prize pool can range from 2x to 10,000x the buy-in, offering the potential for a huge payday. BLAST Tournaments are a popular choice for players looking for a quick and exciting poker experience.

The tournament schedule is well-structured, offering a good mix of different game types and formats. Whether you prefer freezeouts, rebuys, or progressive knockout tournaments, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. The guarantees are generally competitive, and the player fields are often softer than those found on other major poker sites.

Deposit & Withdrawal

888poker offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, including:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
• Bank Transfer
• Online Banking
• Prepaid Cards (Paysafecard)

The speed and reliability of withdrawals are generally good, although processing times can vary depending on the method used. E-wallet withdrawals are typically the fastest, often processed within 24-48 hours. Bank transfers can take longer, typically 3-5 business days.

While 888poker doesn’t explicitly advertise widespread crypto support, some players have reported success using certain e-wallets that support cryptocurrency transactions. It’s best to check with 888poker’s support team directly for the most up-to-date information on crypto-related deposit and withdrawal options in your specific region.

Overall, 888poker provides a solid and reliable banking experience. Deposits are typically processed instantly, and withdrawals are generally processed in a timely manner.

Verdict: Should You Play Here?

888poker remains a strong contender in the online poker landscape, particularly for recreational players and those looking for weaker competition. The user-friendly software, generous bonus offers, and robust rewards program make it an attractive option for players of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Softer player pool, especially at lower limits.
• User-friendly software and mobile app.
• Generous welcome bonus: $88 Free + 100% up to $400.
• Potentially high rewards: Up to 36% Club Points.
• HUD support.
• Wide variety of games and tournaments.

Cons:

• Commission structure is standard but not the lowest available.
• Rewards program requires consistent play to maximize rewards.
• Limited high-stakes action compared to some other sites.

Final Verdict:

If you’re a recreational player or a grinder looking for softer games and a solid rewards program, 888poker is definitely worth considering. The site offers a welcoming environment for new players and a rewarding experience for experienced players looking to capitalize on weaker competition. While the commission structure isn’t the absolute lowest, the potential for 36% rewards helps to offset the cost. Overall, 888poker is a reputable and reliable online poker room that offers a positive playing experience.