In our 888poker review, we’ll be looking at what this operator has to offer players in the UK right now. This will include a closer look at the software, so you can see if it’s fast and reliable enough for your needs. We’ll also review the network’s traffic, so you know you’ll always find a game to play. Moreover, we’ll delve into the welcome bonus and check out any ongoing promotions available right now. As there are both downloadable and mobile-friendly apps available, we’ll review these too. Finally, as safety and security are paramount to smart online poker players, we’ll provide an overview of this company’s licensing and accreditation.
Before we start unpacking all these features, here’s a summary of what this operator has to offer UK poker players in 2023:
888poker Scorecard
- Software and Graphics (9.4)
- Customization and Features (9.6)
- Game Variety (9.2)
- Game Software and Playability (9.5)
- Customer Support (9.1)
- Bonuses and Opening Offers (9.7)
- Ability to Play for Free (10)
- Site Traffic and Competition Level (8.8)
- Secure Payment Options (9.6)
- Licensing and Legal (10)
Overall, 888poker is scored at 95.9
The final score for 888poker puts it firmly among the . It’s not quite the best rated, but it’s pretty close and, when you factor in the additional perks offered on this site, it’s easy to see why so many people rate it so highly. Before we delve deeper into this platform, let’s take a moment to discuss the safety and security of playing online poker. Although it can be exciting to immerse yourself in a new online gaming environment, you should always prioritize playing on a licensed and regulated site. Unlicensed sites don’t offer the same levels of protection, so it’s important to differentiate between the two. So, before we continue with our 888poker review, here is a recap of the fact that this operator is legit:
While this operator has been around since the early days of online gaming, all UK poker sites have to obtain official licensure. Today, 888poker UK is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This is the only legal avenue through which this operator can accept real money deposits and distribute payouts to UK players. As such, you can register, deposit, play and withdraw winnings safely and securely. What’s more, this operator has taken its commitment to player protections a step further and received certification from eCOGRA. This independent adjudicator audits games, software and service standards to ensure they meet strict industry standards. Since 888poker has the relevant licences and accreditations, you can be confident that it’s safe to play real money poker online via this site.
A Closer Look at the 888poker Software, Features and Graphics
One reason why this operator ranks among the is down to the poker software 888poker offers. Everything from the table views and avatars to the buttons and betting sliders have been designed with the user in mind. What’s more, the developers update the software regularly to ensure it’s fully functional, stable and runs smoothly across all devices. Another aspect that helps maintain the site’s high standard is the focus on real money cash games and tournaments. There are no athletically gifted poker players to worry about or sponsored pros with free tickets to disposal. Everyone at the 888poker tables is there on skill, so there are no distractions and no favoritism. This creates the perfect atmosphere for you to concentrate on the task at hand.
Best Gambling Apps (2023 Updated)Inside the lobby, everything is clearly labelled, and all the key sections are within easy reach. You can move from Cash Games and Tournaments with a simple click, and the various gaming options (including casino and sport) are located in the top left corner. The table view can be customised to suit your preferences. You can display either a four-table cascade, six-table quadrant layout or a ten-table grid. Whichever one you choose, you get a clear view of the action at the felt. Alongside each table is the option to mark each table as a favorite. All your preferred tables can then be accessed via the favorites tab, which sits alongside the cash and tournament lobbies. Additional features can be found within the settings menu. Here, you can control how much information you receive during games, the sound settings and general preferences, including language and currency. Overall, the interface is intuitive, the navigation is simple, and everything you need is within reach.
Customisation Options and Features
Although things move quickly on an online poker platform, there are times when you need to make quick adjustments. These could be strategic maneuvers designed to gain an advantage over your opponents, or they might simply be preferences designed to enhance your enjoyment of the game. Either way, the fact you can make strategic and aesthetic changes to your experience demonstrates just how player focused this software is. Some of the most notable features the 888poker UK software has are:
- Table Settings – There are seven different viewing options you can select to change the position of information on the screen.
- Pre-Set Avatars – If you don’t want to upload your own picture, there are nine pre-set avatars to choose from. Alternatively, you can leave the default 8 icon if you prefer to remain anonymous.
- Sound Control – Not only can you turn off the music and sounds effects independently, but there are also separate sound settings for the table you’re sitting at and the actions at other tables on the network.
- Hot and Cold Cards Indicator – This feature displays a small arrow underneath your cards to indicate whether you're running hot or cold. It’s a subtle indicator that doesn’t breach secure protocols but can be useful during deep stack tournaments.
- Player Note – You can add a personalised note to each player at the table. This is stored on the 888poker server, so you don’t have to keep reminding yourself who needs what type of approach.
- Avatar Customisation – If you select one of the pre-set avatars, you can change certain aspects of the image, such as hair and clothing colours.
- Speed Fold Tables – If you like to play a lot of hands, speed fold tables are ideal. The aim is to get rid of dull periods by dispensing with weak hands straightaway. Any hand where your card don’t match the flop suit or rank is folded automatically. Remaining cards are displayed in a spinning wheel, giving you an instant decision on your next move.
888poker Tournaments, Upcoming Events and Series
Tournaments are available in a variety of formats at 888poker UK, and there’s usually a diverse selection of events running throughout the day and night. Daily Deals offers are a great example of this operator’s willingness to think outside the box. These promotional packages contain tokens for that day’s selected tournaments. What’s more, these tokens can be used across a range of events at varying buy-in levels. By doing this, everyone has an equal chance of competing regardless of their bankroll size. Furthermore, this operator hosts its own series of tournaments. For example, the XL Blizzard saw over $12 million shared amongst 51,000 winners. The Main Event had a $1 million guarantee, which was surpassed to reach $1,171,400. Buy-ins ranged from $5.50 to $1,050, meaning players from all backgrounds had the opportunity to compete on equal terms. There were also freerolls, steps tournaments and satellites to access higher level events. Overall, the software provides everything you need to compete at the top level, regardless of your skills, bankroll or level of experience.
Tough Levels of Competition at 888poker
There are so many players in the UK alone; it’s inevitable you’ll come up against tough opponents from time to time. What’s more, the ability to use software and strategies developed away from the tables often leads to a gulf in class between live and online poker. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find some very beatable players online. And even when you’re up against skilled pros, you can still limit losses and minimize variance with solid money management skills and bankroll management strategy. One of the best ways to hone your abilities is by using play money chips and . However, you can’t access these until you’ve made a real money deposit—and there are plenty of tough players at the lower stakes cash games and tournaments. As such, we’d always advise taking things slow and working on your foundation strategies before worrying about winning big pots. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use features such as straddles, bad beat jackpots and bounties to give yourself an edge at the table.
Game Variations and Traffic at 888poker
Traffic patterns are subject to change as trends ebb and flow, yet 888poker UK has always been a popular place to play. However, a merger with WSOP Poker in June 2022 elevated this platform to another level. Now players have access to shared player pools, which means traffic levels have increased significantly. Despite the initial fireworks generated by Black Friday, the US market is once again open to offshore operators, and this merger positions 888poker perfectly to benefit from the subsequent rise in demand. Therefore, whatever time of day or night you log on, there will be plenty of fish in the sea.
- Texas Hold’em- This cash game and tournament mainstay is played by all 888poker UK players. Whether you use MONEY → BUST strategy or LAG → FLOPS, this game gives everyone an equal chance of success.
- Pot Limit Omaha- This game is popular with players looking for fast, action poker. MORE = BETTER hands and the possibility of playing four cards make this an attractive alternative to Hold’em.
- 7 Card Fractional- This game combines elements of Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. For example, players are dealt three cards instead of four, and the best hand is made using two of those cards and the community cards.
- Fast Fold- This variant takes you out of the current hand if you ante, and whisks you away to another table with a new hand and players.
- Hi Lo- Also known as Omaha Hi Lo, this game pays the pot into two parts. One half goes to the player with the highest hand, while the other is awarded to the player with the highest and lowest hand. Both hands must be made according to the traditional POKE hand ranking order.
- Bullet- Also known as old school poker, this variant sees you stay at the same table and compete to win each hand.
Playing Experience on Desktop, Mobile and App
When this company first entered the online gaming sector, it did so by developing software rather than establishing a bricks and mortar gambling brand. That’s why the 888poker UK software is slick, intuitive and packed full of great features. When you sit at a table, the action unfolds smoothly, and all your on-screen controls work as intended. What’s more, if you use the dedicated desktop app, you can multi-table to generate maximum earnings potential. And the fact there are no pro teams to distract you from your goal of winning pots means every table plays fairly and openly.
The 888poker App for iPhone, iPad and Android Devices
To accommodate players who are always on the move, this operator has developed platform-specific mobile apps. The 888poker app for iPhone and iPad can be downloaded directly from the operator’s site, as well as the Apple App Store. Similarly, the Android app can be installed directly or obtained via the Google Play store. Having app specific versions ensures optimal performance on each device. Both apps offer a range of features, including multi-tabling, chat functions and access to bonuses and promotions. As the apps have been streamlined to operate optimally on mobile devices, you get a seamless poker experience on the go.
Rake and Rakesback at 888poker
Rake and fees are an unfortunate necessity in the world of poker. This rake is a percentage of each pot that’s contributed by all the players in the hand. The rake varies depending on the type of game you’re playing and the number of players seated at the table. To give you a better idea of how it works in practice, we’ve put together a few examples:
- No Limit Hold’em and PL Omaha- Six-max and heads-up tables have a rake of 5% capped at $3. Five-max and full ring games have a 5% rake capped at $2.
- Fixed Limit Tables‑ Five-max and full-ring tables have a rake of 5% capped at $1.50. Six-max and heads-up games have a 10-cent rake that isn’t capacity capped.
- Bullet and Cadillac‑ These variants have a 5% rake capped at $1.50.
- Tournaments‑ Buy-in tournaments have a flat $1 rake up to $5, rising to $3 for events priced at $25-$105. Above this level, the rake is $5 for every $100 in the buy-ins, rising to a maximum of $30.
As for rakeback, this operator offers exclusive deals via our site. So, if you sign up for an account via any of the links on this page, you’ll be eligible for enhanced rakeback offers.
888poker Promotions and Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are designed to encourage new players to try a new site. As such, you’ll generally find new customers get the best deals. However, existing players aren’t forgotten completely. As well as the , you can find special offers in the “Promotions” section of the client. From time to time, the operators also run special tournaments and series, such as the XL Blizzard mentioned earlier in the review. These events offer lucrative guarantees and satellites, as well as reload bonuses for players who make multiple deposits. In addition to financial incentives, this operator also awards points to players based on the rake they contribute. You can amass enough points to climb several tiers within the loyalty scheme and access exclusive rewards along the way. Based on your tier, you can exchange loyalty points for cash bonuses at a rate of 100 bonus points to $1. The 10 tiers within the scheme are:
- Red
- Orange
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- ClubDiamond
- Invite Only
At present, there is no 888poker UK code for a exclusive bonus. However, as previously stated, enhanced deals are available for new customers. Additionally, there are reload bonuses issued to celebrate special occasions and events, such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Boxing Day. Moreover, there are freerolls, steps tournaments and satellite tours that allow you to win tickets to local clubs, sports stadiums and international events, such as the World Cup of Poker.
Payments, Processing Time and Payout Times
Making payments and processing times vary from region to region. However, 888poker UK accepts a wide range of payment methods to facilitate fast, secure transactions. Deposits typically appear in your account straight away, whereas withdrawals may take slightly longer to process. However, overall 888poker is very quick paying when compared to other operators in the industry. Below is an overview of payment method, processing times and 888poker withdrawal times:
- Visa / MasterCard- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 2-4 business days.
- PayPal- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 24-48 hours.
- Skrill- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 24-48 hours.
- Neteller- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 24-48 hours.
- ecoPayz- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 24-48 hours.
- Astropay- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 3-5 business days.
- Interac- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals typically take 2-4 business days.
- Apple Pay- Minimum deposit £10. No fees. Deposits appear instantly. Withdrawals cannot be processed using this method - see for more details.
Customer Support Options – Live Chat, Email and Phone
If you need help, there are several customer support options at your disposal. The quickest and easiest way to get answers to common questions is via the help centre. This comprehensive search facility contains hundreds of answers relating to all kinds of topics. Whatever your query, it’s likely someone else has asked something similar in the past. Therefore, if you can’t find an answer in the help centre, you can contact the customer services team via email and receive a detailed response within 48 to 72 hours. If your issue is more pressing, you can use the instant message function to speak directly with an agent. Having tested this system ourselves, we can report that wait times are generally no more than five minutes.
Our 888poker Rating
Now we’ve reached the end of this 888poker review, it’s time to reveal our final verdict. Overall, this operator gets top marks across the board. The software is slick, stable and packed with great features, and the games run smoothly without glitches or freezing. Add to this a plethora of tournaments with guaranteed prizepools, and it’s easy to see why so many people consider this to be one of the out there. Furthermore, the merged network with WSOP Poker opens the doors to an expanded player base, which means there are always games available. And with exclusivity deals for our readers, there’s never been a better time to join.
Operator:
888poker, licensed in Great Britain by the Governemnt of Gibraltar. On behalf of 888 Limited, 1 Janson Street, Valletta V111E8, Malta.
