888poker is the world’s fastest growing online poker room with over 10 million registered players and counting. With a total of at least $300,000 in free tournament prize pools every month, it’s no wonder that a new player signs up to 888poker every 12 seconds. The 888 Poker Mobile App One aspect that 888 Poker has clearly made an effort to improve over the past couple of years is with the mobile client. What used to give players regular glitches and refuse to log legit players in is now quite reliable.
Industry | Online poker |
---|---|
Founded | 2002 |
Headquarters | |
Area served | Worldwide |
Parent | 888 Holdings |
Website | 888poker.com |
888poker, formerly Pacific Poker, is an international online pokercardroom and network owned by 888 Holdings.[1] 888poker was established in 2002, and is based in Gibraltar.
The poker provider was originally launched in 2002 as Pacific Poker and later rebranded 888poker. The site enjoyed early success due in part to a large number of players who joined from its more established sister site.[2]
When the United States Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, affirming that online gambling in the United States was illegal, 888poker was forced to close its doors to all American players.[3] Changes to online gaming regulations in 2013 in some states has prompted return by 888 to the US market.
888poker has partnerships with several private gaming entities in Nevada,[4] and New Jersey.[5] Authorities in these states require that online casino providers join an offline partner in order to receive an operating license. On March 21, 2012, The Nevada Gaming Commission granted 888 a license as an Interactive Gaming Service Provider. 888 launched its online activity in Nevada officially on September 15, 2013.[6]
On November 26, 2013, 888 successfully launched its online poker site for online poker players in New Jersey.[7] 888 operates under a permit (permit number NJIGP 13-006 ) issued to its partner Caesars Interactive Entertainment (which is a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation) to offer online gaming in New Jersey.[8] Its poker offerings are available only in the state of New Jersey and to players who are at least 21 years old.
On May 2, 2013 888 announced that it has been selected by the Delaware Lottery as its Primary Vendor to operate internet gaming systems and services. 888 has signed a partnership agreement with Scientific Games, the largest technology provider for electronic lottery gaming in the United States as part of its operating license in the State of Delaware. The service is scheduled to become available to Delaware residents before the end of 2013.[9]
In Denmark, 888poker was launched as a localized version in September 2015, after acquiring a license from the Gambling Authority.[10] After launch, 888 Denmark manager in Denmark, Simon Ravn, said: 'We have a slightly different approach to the Danish poker market than many of the other poker providers; we want to offer value to all our players, rather than focus on sign up bonuses and new customers', adding that 'people still want to play poker and we think we can offer a new, fresh experience with us'.[11]
On June 15, 2012, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ),[12] published on its website the definitive list of operators licensed to operate in Spain, including 888 Spain plc. 888poker offers since its online products, combined with a series of live tournaments among which the SuperStack, with events in several Spanish cities in February in which distributed more than €400,000 in prize money during 2014.[13]
The 888poker offering includes poker game variations such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha (High & Low) and 7 Card Stud Poker, along with Sit & Go and Tournament games.[14] Products are available on all major platforms, including PC, Android, and Apple devices. A new version of the mobile app was launched on Aug 21, 2013, providing mobile access to multi table tournaments.
888poker was the first online poker provider to introduce poker tables with webcam integration to allow its members to socialize more with other players and to make the overall gaming experience more human.[3]
Following 888poker's upgrade of its mobile app in July 2013, the company's then CEO, Brian Mattingly, revealed in an interview that 888poker's strong sales growth comes from the expanding mobile poker market. Mattingly stated that 17% of 888's UK wagers in general are placed on mobile devices and hoped that the company's UK mobile share will double in the next year and a half.[15]
888poker's loyalty programme, the 888poker Club, features daily free tournaments and offers players a chance to win $100,000 each month. Players also receive scratchcards for every five levels they climb.[16]
A variety of professional poker players and celebrities act as brand ambassadors for 888poker. Among the prominent persons who have joined Team 888poker are Dominik Nitsche, Martin Jacobson, Chris Moorman,[17] Sofia Lövgren, Kara Scott, Natalie Hof, Parker Talbot, Vivian Saliba[18] former Australian international cricket bowler Shane Warne,[19]UFC Welterweight champion George St. Pierre,[20] and the former footballer Denílson.
Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez also signed a contract with 888poker in 2014. However, the partnership was dissolved due to the events of the 2014 World Cup.
888poker hosts the 888poker Live event several times a year, a series of poker tournaments held in several cities around the world. In addition, 888poker organizes three online legends - XL Inferno , XL Eclipse and XL Blizzard - collectively known as the XL Championships Series.[21]
888poker is the main sponsor and the exclusive organizer of qualifying rounds for since 2014 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.[22]
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, 888poker was the main sponsor of the Super High Roller Bowl hosted by Poker Central at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. This tournament was a buy-in of US$300,000, the second most expensive and the most expensive 2017 poker tournament worldwide.[23]
In November 2017, 888poker and the World Poker Tour (WPT) entered into a partnership that immediately enabled all players on 888poker to qualify directly for the WPT DeepStacks in Berlin.[24][25] On February 11, 2019, WPT announced a new partnership with 888poker, which will see two new events added to the WPTDeepStacks Europe schedule. One in Malta and one in Portugal.[26]
In August 2019, 888poker held 888 Poker LIVE Sochi. It was first event 888poker in Russia.[27] Russian poker player Vasily Tsapko became the winner of 888poker LIVE Main Event and had nearly $200k in cashes.
One of the most popular variations of poker is, of course, Texas hold 'em. In addition to this version of the game, many players still participate in Omaha, five-card draw, and open-face Chinese poker. The most interesting and dynamic variation in the opinion of players is Omaha poker. That is precisely why it is not missing from the GameDesire portal.
Omaha is a very popular version of poker, which has amassed great numbers of fans. According to statistics, Omaha is the second most popular form in terms of the number of poker players. The rules of this game are very similar to the rules of Texas hold' em. For this reason, people who have ever played poker grasp the rules quickly. However, the similarity of the rules does not mean that familiar strategies will guarantee success. The greater number of good hands that can be created while playing Omaha mean that the game progresses quite differently.
Players themselves say that Omaha is one of the most exciting variations of this game. This is true for both beginners and professionals. The main difference between Omaha poker and Texas hold 'em, is that the player is dealt four hole cards, instead of two in the Texas variation.
The board also gets five cards, three on the flop and one each on the turn and the river. In creating a hand, select two cards from the hole and three additional cards from the table. As you can see, the choice of cards is much greater here. As for the game strategy, Omaha is certainly very different compared to Texas hold 'em. The larger number of hole cards means even an average Texas hold 'em player can prove to be pretty good in Omaha. The greater number of cards is more likely to yield a better hand. Be aware that hands such as straights or flushes occur in Omaha very frequently. In Omaha poker you can, as in other types, pass, check or raise during the betting rounds. Although it is not allowed raise stakes to such a level as in Texas hold 'em, the winnings may be higher as more players reach the last round and willingly raises the stakes with better cards.
With the availability of poker at GameDesire, you can always join exciting play with other users at one of the many available tables. In the game you have the SIT&GO option, allowing you to join a game instantly. With the 'Play Now', you should remember to pay attention to the stakes on the table, which indicate how much you may win or lose in the game. You should also pay attention to your position at the table, which in Omaha has a great impact on your chance of winning.
Beginners should start their adventure in poker with lower stakes, to get to know the game, evaluate their real capabilities, and determine strategy. Omaha poker on GameDesire also offers you the ability to manually select the table and the place you will sit. In 'Tournaments' you find an ongoing game tournament, which you can join. Poker tournaments offer even more excitement and higher winnings.
It is also worth noting that Omaha poker on GameDesire is available for mobile devices. You can download it from Google Play or the App Store, and enjoy the game of Omaha poker anywhere. Due to the great popularity of the game, you can join poker battle with opponents from around the world, at multiple tables, playing with a wide range of stakes. The game also helps you to train ahead of live competitions. Fast-paced gameplay and the ability to play multiple tables give you the opportunity to test many different strategies and get to know the probability of winning with a variety of hands. Omaha poker will give you many sensations and allow for great training, which in time will help you develop the skills necessary to sit down at the table with real professionals.
Omaha poker guarantees sporting emotions at the highest level, and is at the same time great entertainment.