Since launching in 1997, 888 has gone on to become the single largest online gambling brand. Despite being dealt a hefty blow by the loss of American custom, 888 has weathered the storm and has charmed gamblers the world-over.
As you would expect from such a titan, 888’s services are comprehensive. The website largely uses in-house software for its casino games (Dragonfish), meaning it provides a highly distinctive gambling experience compared to the identikit Playtech and Microgaming clients overpopulating the marketplace. 888 also boasts the internet’s second most popular poker client, along with a cracking bingo service.
More good news is that wagering requirements casino’s bonuses only apply to bonus funds, making them potentially cashable. This will be a great incentive for bargain hunters.
A few negatives include compatibility issues between the casino’s downloaded software and Apple computers. However, the brand’s in-browser, Flash casino should be more than sufficient for Mac-users. Also, it must be acknowledged that 888 has acquired something of a patchy record, with some players complaining of inefficient support and the casino reneging on bonus conditions.
That aside, you simply can’t beat 888 for breadth and quality of product. This market leader has the product and the sheen to knock the socks off even the most discerning online gambler – and as one of the few websites to be floated on the London Stock Exchange, you can be assured of its credibility.
Pros and cons
-Gibraltarn license-holder and one of only a handful of online casinos floated on the London Stock Exchange.
-Huge selection of products, including the world’s biggest online poker client.
-Proprietary software has been refined over the years and now powers some of the highest-quality games on the market.
-No published pay-out percentages for RNG slot games.
-Slightly unfortunate reputation for messing players around.
-Download casino software is incompatible with Macs.
Promotions and bonuses
888’s standard bonuses all come with a 30x roll-over on bonus funds only. This represents excellent value for the player as it makes bonuses potentially +EV (if you’re very lucky!)
888 offers a standard welcome bonus of 100% up to £100 (€140 / $200), and the nice option to forfeit winnings from your bonus if you wish to reclaim your original deposit (T&C's Apply). The casino's flagship teaser is its £88 no-deposit. The '£88' figure is slightly misleading - rather these are free-play tokens, and the maximum real-money cash-out is £20 (unless you win a jackpot). Still, this is genuine, risk-free gambling.
888 offers an extremely rewarding loyalty scheme. It boasts the most comprehensive VIP scheme of any casino, with members invited to lavish parties, concerts and sporting events. There are a range of novelty items available in the shop (including a signed CR07 football shirt!), and 10 strong VIP team providing round the clock support for high-rollers. 888 also regularly runs limited-time promotions with special deals for playing specific games.
Furthermore, you can claim a distinctive welcome bonus for the brand’s sports betting, bingo and poker clients. The latter includes £12 free towards your first buy-in and an official 888Poker t-shirt. Not too shabby!
As you would expect, there are tons of great games and services available from 888. As mentioned, most of the brand’s casino games are developed in-house and powered by first-party software (which should be music to the ears of anyone sick of Playtech suites).
888’s poker client remains the most populated on the web, with a massive player base and regular tournaments. Meanwhile, the website offers a competitive sportsbook and a series of lively bingo rooms. All in all, top stuff – the only oversight is financial betting.
Live Games
Baccarat
Bingo
Blackjack
Casino Poker
Craps
Financials
Keno
Lotteries
Pai Gow Poker
Poker
Roulette
Scratchcards
Sic Bo
Slots
Sports
Video Poker
Casino snapshots
Whether you’re playing in-browser or via downloaded software, 888 looks fantastic. Happily (especially given aforementioned compatibility issues), the casino has taken pains to ensure that its on-site service is as similar as possible to its downloadable application.
Software
While the majority of 888’s games are powered by its proprietary providers (Dragonfish and 888Gaming), it has boosted its line-up of software developers with IGT and Cryptologic (among others). In addition to the individuality offered by its in-house developers, these other companies broaden and vary the casino’s library of products.
888 supports a variety of popular payment methods (including PayPal) and a good range of major currencies. Withdrawals using an eWallet such as Neteller will take around five days, although this will depend on the size of your cash-out and VIP status. Disappointingly for such a significant brand, 888 does not permit manual flushing.
Note: the table below contains averages for the given payment services and does not factor in limits on the casino's side. Remember to check the casino's website for specific time/cash limits.
Payment Method
Name
Depositing
Withdrawing
Withdraw Time
Abaqoos
£10 - £50000
£10 - £100000
1 - 7 days
Conclusion
As recipient of EGR’s ‘Best Online Casino of the Year 2013’ award and three time winner of its ‘Best Online Poker Client', 888 has a pretty daunting reputation to live up to. Fortunately, this is one online gambling destination that doesn’t disappoint.
Aside from the quality control permitted by its first party software developer, the brand presents a competitive offering across the online casino, poker, sports betting and bingo sectors. This ensures that gamblers of all stripes are guaranteed a good time. Lenient bonus conditions only sweeten the pot.
There are a few niggles, to be sure. Apple users might be disappointed at being unable to install 888’s software and we would definitely appreciate the ability to flush our account balance, especially given 888’s imperfect track-record on cash-outs.
Nevertheless, 888 has clearly earned its position as the internet’s number one, all-round gambling hub. This brand has already proven the right casino for millions of players and there’s every chance it could be yours, as well.
Australia - English
