If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of online poker, chances are you’ve heard of 888 Poker. Established as one of the longest-running and most trusted platforms in the industry, 888 Poker has been a go-to choice for players since its inception in 1997 (originally as Pacific Poker). But what makes this poker room stand out in 2025, when the online poker landscape is more competitive than ever? Is it still worth your time and money? In this comprehensive 888 Poker review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from bonuses and game variety to software, player traffic, and real user experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to test the waters, this article has you covered.
Let’s dive in and see if 888 Poker lives up to its reputation.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. 888 Poker started as Pacific Poker in 1997, making it one of the pioneers of online poker. Over the years, it evolved into the 888 Poker we know today, rebranding in 2002 under the 888 Holdings umbrella—a company listed on the London Stock Exchange. This longevity isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a testament to 888 Poker’s ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.
What’s more, 888 Poker has built a stellar reputation by partnering with massive events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This connection alone draws in players dreaming of turning a small buy-in into a life-changing prize. But beyond the glitz and glamour, how does it hold up for the everyday player? Let’s break it down.
One of the first things you’ll notice about 888 Poker is how welcoming it is to new players. Signing up is a breeze—takes less than three minutes—and the rewards start flowing right away. Here’s what you can expect as a newbie in 2025:
No-Deposit Bonus: $88 Free to Kick Things Off
Unlike many poker sites that require an initial deposit to get you started, 888 Poker hands you a generous $88 no-deposit bonus just for creating an account. This isn’t all cash upfront—it’s a mix of tournament tickets and cash game buy-ins, released in increments as you play. It’s a fantastic way to explore the platform risk-free, especially if you’re hesitant to commit your own money right away.
First Deposit Bonus: 100% Up to $1,000
If you’re ready to dive in deeper, 888 Poker matches your first deposit 100% up to $1,000. Deposit $10, get $10 extra. Deposit $500, and you’ve got $1,000 to play with. The bonus releases in $10 chunks as you earn bonus points (100 points = $10), giving you 90 days to clear it. It’s not the flashiest offer out there, but it’s solid and gives you plenty of time to work through it.
Free Tournament Tickets
On top of the cash bonuses, first-time depositors get a bundle of free tournament tickets, including entries to $500 and $1,000 Depositors’ Freerolls. These are perfect for testing your skills against other players without risking your bankroll.
From a human perspective, I love how 888 Poker caters to beginners. The no-deposit bonus feels like a warm handshake, saying, “Hey, come try us out—no pressure!” It’s a low-stakes way to get a feel for the site, which is especially appealing if you’re still learning the ropes.
In an age where sleek, intuitive design is everything, how does 888 Poker’s software stack up? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag.
Functionality Meets Fun
The downloadable poker client (available for PC and Mac) is stable and easy to navigate. The lobby is clean, letting you filter cash games by stakes, players per flop percentage, and more. Features like Snap Poker (a fast-fold variant) and webcam tables (Poker Face2Face) add a modern twist, keeping things exciting. The mobile app—for iOS and Android—is equally impressive, offering smooth access to cash games, tournaments, and even multi-table play on the go.
The graphics? They’re sharp and visually appealing without being overwhelming. You can customize your experience too, tweaking table layouts or avatars to suit your vibe. For someone like me who plays late into the night, the software’s reliability is a big win—no crashes or lag to ruin the fun.
The Not-So-Good: Showing Its Age
That said, 888 Poker isn’t perfect. Some players (and I’d agree) find the software a bit dated compared to newer competitors like GGPoker or PokerStars. The design hasn’t evolved much in recent years, and while it’s functional, it lacks the polish of cutting-edge platforms. The cashier, for instance, opens in a separate browser window, which feels clunky in 2025.
If you’re a casual player, this won’t bother you much. But if you’re a tech-savvy grinder who values aesthetics, it might feel like stepping back in time.
888 Poker shines when it comes to game selection. Whether you’re into cash games, tournaments, or fast-paced action, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Cash Games: Soft Tables, Big Opportunities
The cash game traffic is robust, with stakes ranging from micro (1¢/2¢) to high ($10/$20 and up). What stands out? The player pool is notoriously soft. Thanks to 888’s casino arm, you’ll often find inexperienced players drifting over from slots or blackjack, making tables juicy even at higher stakes. I’ve seen flops with 60–80% player participation—pure chaos, but a goldmine if you know what you’re doing.
Tournaments: Big Prizes, Affordable Buy-Ins
Tournaments are a highlight, with a packed schedule catering to all budgets. The Sunday Mega Series offers massive prize pools, while daily Fish ‘n’ Chips events keep buy-ins low (think $1 to $10). High rollers can jump into events like The Whale or The Hurricane, with guarantees reaching $200k monthly. Plus, WSOP satellites give you a shot at live poker glory without breaking the bank.
Unique Offerings: Snap and Blast
Overall, the variety keeps things fresh. Whether you’re grinding cash games or chasing a tournament score, 888 Poker delivers.
Player traffic is a make-or-break factor for any poker site, and 888 Poker holds its own as the second-largest network globally (behind PokerStars). At any given time, you’ll find thousands of players online, ensuring tables fill quickly—especially at No Limit Hold’em. Omaha and Stud are available too, but they’re quieter, with most action sticking to Hold’em.
The soft competition is a huge draw. Casino crossovers mean you’re often up against novices rather than sharks. For intermediate players, this is a dream scenario—profit potential is high if you’ve got the skills.
Banking with 888 Poker is straightforward, with a wide range of options:
The PayPal option is a standout—convenient and trusted. My withdrawals have always been quick, though some users report delays with slower methods like checks. Overall, it’s reliable, which matters most when real money’s on the line.
Rake at 888 Poker is industry-standard—5% for cash games, capped at $4 (except heads-up, where it’s $1). Tournaments take a 10% fee, in line with competitors. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not outrageous either.
The rewards program, however, underwhelms. You earn points to climb VIP levels, but the cashback tops out at 10%—meager compared to PokerStars’ 28% or partypoker’s 30%. For high-volume players, this is a drawback. Casual players won’t notice, though, and the frequent freerolls and promos (like $250k Fortune Trail) add extra value.
I scoured the web and X for unfiltered opinions. Here’s the scoop:
The Positives
The Negatives
The complaints about rigging and bots pop up often, but there’s no hard evidence—just frustrated players venting after bad beats. Customer service gets flak too, with slow response times being a common gripe. Still, positive reviews outweigh the negatives, especially for casual players.
888 Poker takes security seriously. Licensed by the Great Britain Gambling Commission and Gibraltar, it’s heavily regulated. A two-step authentication system protects your account, and the Random Number Generator (RNG) ensures fair play—certified by independent audits.
In 2022, they refunded $287,292 to players affected by bots or collusion, showing a commitment to integrity. As a publicly traded company, 888 has a lot to lose by cutting corners, so your funds are safe.
Pros
Cons
After digging into every corner of 888 Poker, here’s my take: it’s a fantastic choice for casual players and intermediates looking to build a bankroll. The soft competition, generous welcome bonuses, and variety of games make it a winner. Sure, the software isn’t the flashiest, and the rewards program could use a boost, but these are minor gripes for most.
If you’re a high-stakes grinder or obsessed with cutting-edge tech, you might prefer PokerStars or GGPoker. But for the average player? 888 Poker delivers a fun, profitable experience with a side of nostalgia.
Ready to give it a shot? Sign up today and claim your $88 free—no deposit required. Who knows? You might just turn that bonus into a big win.
Is 888 Poker Legit?
Yes, it’s licensed, regulated, and publicly traded—about as legit as it gets.
Can I Play 888 Poker in the US?
Only in New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware due to legal restrictions.
How Long Do Withdrawals Take?
E-wallets take 24–48 hours; bank transfers or checks can take up to 5–7 days.
Are the Games Rigged?
No evidence supports this. The RNG is certified fair, and bad beats are just poker.
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