888 Holdings PLC

888 Holdings PLC is one of those rare companies in the online gambling who decided to do things a little differently and their gamble certainly paid off. 888 does not simply create gambling software and then sell it off to existing online casinos. This company creates its own brand name sites and is responsible for the running and operation of the sites as well, guaranteeing a hands on approach with anything to do with the online casino or poker room. 888 Holdings, which trades publicly on the London Stock Exchange, was launched in 1997 as Virtual Holdings Limited. Since then, the company has gone on to create a few quality proprietary products, which have become instantly recognizable by many gamblers on the internet. 888 Holdings shares were significantly affected during the UIGEA upheaval, but the company has managed to hold its own and has since turned its attentions away from the US market and directed them towards Europe and other shores.

888 Holdings Casinos

As mentioned, 888 Holdings creates its own casinos to showcase its excellent software and gaming solutions. This innovative approach to online casino marketing means that the company has its say in practically all that goes on at these selective sites and therefore maintains top industry standards at all times. As a result, players at 888 sites are ensured highly entertaining gaming in a safe and secure environment, an excellent games variety, high payout percentages and fantastic bonuses.

888 Holdings strives for fair and responsible gambling standards at its sites by ensuring that its software is certified and that players are guaranteed the highest level of privacy and security when dealing with financial matters.

Bonuses on 888 sites are generous, giving players another reason to try them out. These range from fixed percentage (up to a certain amount) sign in bonuses to lucrative reload bonuses to ensure that players keep coming back for more gaming fun. In addition, players are continuously spoiled with free comps, prizes and thrilling events on a regular basis.

The site that put 888 on the map, Casino-on-net, was created almost a decade ago and is still going strong in terms of reputation and game offerings. Casino-on-Net, also known as 888.com, carries all of the most popular casino games with payout odds that are significantly higher than the average Vegas games. The site boasts several attractive bonuses and players can stand in line to win one of the great progressive jackpots that run regularly on the site. Combined with excellent customer service and easy deposit and withdrawal methods, 888.com is most definitely a site that answers to any gambler’s needs.

If poker is what players are after, they could try Pacific Poker, 888 Holding’s multi player poker room that was launched in 2002 when the company recognized the need to provide a quality solution for the millions of poker fans in the world. Pacific Poker is a one-stop-shop when it comes to the needs of players – allowing them to choose from any game type, pace, skill level or wagering limit available today. Pacific Poker runs regular tournaments with exceptional prizes, making for exciting gaming action.

Reputation and Reputability

The importance of fair gaming practices, responsible gambling and player protection cannot be stressed strongly enough by 888 Holdings. The company spares nothing when it comes to these issues and takes every precaution available in the industry to ensure that the highest levels are maintained at all times.

888 Holdings submits it random number generators for regular independent reviewing to ensure that their results are indeed random. All 888 sites comply with the tough standards and recommendations set by the watchdog group, eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). The company is also a member of the Interactive Gaming Council and complies with this forum’s Code of Conduct, which outlines fair gaming practices.

888 does not close its eyes to the issue of problem gambling in the industry and addresses this matter through several measures taken on its sites. These include trained customer service staff who can identify compulsive gambling habits, self-exclusion policies for players to remove themselves from the sites for a while, as well as policies set in place to limit the amount of money that players can deposit into their accounts within a certain period of time.

One of 888’s beliefs is that each and every member of its customer support team is its ambassador to the world. As such, all staff members are usually professional, discreet and prompt when it comes to assistance. Help desks are available 24/7 to ensure that players are never left without advice or attention for a stretch of time.

Variety and Versatility

The 888 online casino game package is as comprehensive as it is varied and entertaining. Players will be able to find any type of game that suits them, from the true classics to some extremely innovative creations. Games available include craps, Keno, roulette, baccarat and blackjack, to name just a few. There are a variety of slots games available on 888 sites, many of which come with exciting progressive jackpots. Fast and exciting video slot options, with top quality interface and audio features are also part of the 888 games package. Games can be played using a download or instant play option.

The variety of playing options at 888 casinos is truly breathtaking. Gamblers can take their pick from multi member tables, private tables and high roller tables. Wagering limits at some games begin at 25c and can increase to up to $1000 for some hands – providing a solution for any type of pocket and bankroll size.

888 Holding’s poker variety is also quite amazing. Poker on 888 sites can be played as fixed or no-fixed limits on a wide range of games such as the ever-popular Texas Hold ‘em, as well as Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi/Lo. As with its casino game package, 888 poker games can be downloaded onto the player’s PC or it can be played in flash form directly off the browser, depending on the player’s preferences. Poker schools offer players the chance to hone their skills and play the game for free so that they can have maximum benefit from their gambling session when they decide to play for real money.

Poker tournaments are where the real action lies at 888 casinos and these generate a large amount of traffic to these sites for a very good reason. Tournaments are fast paced, excellent social events and a perfect place for players to practice their poker skills and still stand in line to win top prizes. Money is not the only type of prize up for stake at 888 poker tournaments and players can also win special gifts or guaranteed places at other tournaments.

Several 888 casinos are available in over ten languages to ensure that the company’s software reaches as many people as possible around the globe. In a bid to expand its markets, 888 recently partnered with the wildly popular South American company, Tower Torneos to spread its products off their sites’ gaming platforms.

Recognizing the potential of one of the most popular games in the online gambling industry, 888 Holdings is also party to several bingo sites on the internet although other software companies power these sites.

Finally, 888 Holdings runs the marketing and promotional side of Bet Mate, a joint cooperation between itself and Betdaq. This company offers betting options on most events – sports and non-sports related – over the internet or by telephone. This service offers players the chance to enjoy special features such as access to their betting history and other tools to keep track of their gaming.

Payouts and Payment

While the total payout percentages at most sites are higher than Las Vegas payouts, there are some 888 Holding games that offer especially high payouts. For example, 888’s blackjack has become a firm favorite among gamblers thanks to its special features as well as its generous 98.19% payout rate. The company’s version of craps also comes with an impressive 97.76%

In a bid to present their players with a gambling experience that is as convenient as possible, 888 offers them a wide range of payment methods, ranging from ebanking, credit cards, wire transfers and more. Payout is swift and all 888 sites guarantee top security, using second to none technology to ensure safe financial transactions and the protection of customer accounts.

Conclusion

888 Holdings PLC has been around since the very creation of the online gambling industry and this fact shines through. The company has taken a slightly different approach to its marketing concept to ensure that the highest standard of quality is present at its sites in every dimension, from the variety of games on offer, to the type of customer service offered and the payout rates. For this reason, 888 remains one of the top-league companies in the industry today and continues to improve with each passing year.