October 2, 2025
An in-depth look at the history, features, and community of Poker 888, a prominent player in the online poker industry.
Online poker has evolved from its early days in the late 1990s into a global phenomenon, with millions of players engaging in virtual card rooms every day. The convenience of playing from anywhere, coupled with televised poker tournaments, propelled online poker into the mainstream. Today, the industry is dominated by a handful of trusted platforms—and among them, 888poker stands as one of the most recognized and enduring brands in the market.
888poker traces its roots to 2002, when it was launched as Pacific Poker by Virtual Holdings Limited, a pioneering online gaming company founded in 1997 by Israeli entrepreneurs Avi and Aaron Shaked, and Ron and Shay Ben-Yitzhak. Initially based in Gibraltar for favorable regulatory conditions, the company quickly gained traction, launching Casino-on-Net before expanding into poker with Pacific Poker.
In 2005, the company rebranded as 888 Holdings and later renamed Pacific Poker to 888poker as part of a broader strategy to unify its global brand. The platform rapidly established a reputation for security, fairness, and a user-friendly interface, which helped it attract a large, international player base. A significant milestone was its sponsorship of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) starting in 2006, which included online satellites that allowed amateurs to compete in Las Vegas, further elevating the brand’s profile.
888poker is known for its robust software, offering a wide array of cash games, tournaments, and unique formats. The platform is designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, with features that emphasize both accessibility and advanced play. Its software is regularly updated for performance and security, and it supports a variety of payment methods for global accessibility.
At its peak, 888poker serves up to 20,000 concurrent players, making it one of the largest online poker rooms globally. The platform boasts a registered user base of over 10 million, underlining its massive reach. While it originally served the U.S. market, regulatory changes in 2006 forced it to focus on Europe, particularly the UK and Ireland. However, since 2013, 888poker has re-entered regulated U.S. markets—such as Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware—through partnerships with local operators and licensure from state gaming authorities.
888poker supports a comprehensive selection of poker variants, including:
888poker distinguishes itself with exclusive formats designed to appeal to modern players:
Online poker has become a massive global industry, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds to virtual tables.
With advancements in technology and changes in laws, platforms like Poker 888 continue to thrive and innovate within the competitive space.
New players at 888poker are greeted with a generous welcome bonus, often structured as a matched deposit bonus up to a specified amount. For example, a common offer is a 100% match up to $400, released in increments as players earn frequent player points. This incentive is designed to attract new registrations and provide immediate value to newcomers.
For regulars, 888poker offers a suite of ongoing promotions, including:
These promotions help retain players and foster a competitive but rewarding environment.
888poker offers a fully optimized mobile app for both iOS and Android, ensuring players can enjoy a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets. The app mirrors desktop functionality, supporting cash games, tournaments, and unique formats like SNAP Poker, making it a top choice for players on the go.
Community is central to 888poker’s appeal. The platform actively engages with players through:
This approach builds a sense of belonging and keeps the player base active and informed.
888poker remains a pillar of the online poker industry, distinguished by its rich history, innovative game formats, generous promotions, and strong community focus. With a player base exceeding 10 million and a presence in both established and emerging regulated markets, 888poker continues to deliver a secure, engaging, and rewarding online poker experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, 888poker offers a comprehensive platform that stands out in the competitive world of online gaming.
We're proud to be associated with leading industry sponsors, enhancing our platform’s credibility and commitment to responsible gaming.
Explore the full functionality and convenience of online poker with the 888poker app, available for both iOS and Android.
A guide to understanding and making the most of the 888poker lobby, tailored for both new and experienced players.
Stay updated with recent developments and insights in the poker world
Innovation continues as 888poker rolls out a new feature aimed at enhancing player experience.
Details have been released for the highly anticipated upcoming tournament, featuring increased prize pools and more opportunities.
888poker reaffirms its commitment to responsible gaming with new tools and resources for players.