888 Casino
888 Casino is easily the best-known online casino out there: it’s been around since 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. To many gamers it’s the daddy of them all, which is hardly surprising as they’ve led the market in every aspect of online betting since their inception. And, like they’ve always done, they still lead the way when it comes to innovation and value.
Eligibility and Jurisdiction
The site is owned by Cassava Enterprises, a subsidiary of the 888 Group. Both are licenced in Gibraltar, though the parent company 888 Holdings Plc is listed in the UK
Software and Graphics
Downloading is optional, though online play seemed to work flawlessly. Either way, everything’s easy to reach and intuitive, but what really hits you from the moment you enter is that everything seems a little different here, from the card table design and category icons in the lobby to the new, unique, ultra high-tech 3d casino with it’s personalised avatars. By using their own, in-house software 888 make it abundantly clear that they’re not afraid to try out new ideas in their quest to stay ahead of the game.
Games
888 have been around long enough to know better than to patronise their clientele by overloading them with endless variations on the same classic themes, so you’ll find what initially seem to be a relatively small number of games here – but in fact what you’re seeing is simply the cream of the crop.
That’s not to say, though, that you won’t find anything new: In fact, by using proprietary software 888 are able to add some quirky new variations that we’ve not seen elsewhere, like the Sale of the Century and Price is Right slots, and Rockin’ Roulette. The 80-odd video and classic slots all have an excellent preview screen, activated by hovering over the icons as you scroll through, and they load up and play superbly. Ditto the table games which, it has to be said, do resemble those from some other manufacturers, but only in the sense that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Whilst there are only 8 videopoker games, everything else is present and correct from Pai Gow through to Craps and Baccarat – and there’s also an unusual sports section with strategic games like Pot Shot and World Cup 2010 that you’d struggle to find anywhere else.
Bonuses and Promotions
There’s a 100% welcome bonus up to £100, and a 10% monthly guaranteed bonus of up to £62 for 12 months. Comp points accrue at a rate of £2.25 for every £100 wagered, and there’s constant VIP giveaways as well as ongoing one-off and seasonal promotions for all players
Payment methods
888 take deposits from nearly 50 sources, and have the decency to inform players which ones will allow them to withdraw and which ones won’t – which we approve of highly. Withdrawals take from 2 working days (via e-wallet, provided you are a Gold VIP member), to 10 working days (Maestro debit card). The more you spend, the quicker you can withdraw.
Customer Service
888 are very keen to get you to use their excellent online help, with a superlative FAQ section that’s nicely presented and easy to use with each category clearly marked – and you can tell that they’ve gone to great lengths to cover every conceivable query.
888 know their audience and know their games and can always be relied upon as a trusted refuge for anyone seeking an occasional flutter or a hardcore long-term gaming experience. Yet they’re also not afraid to distinguish themselves from the competition with wacky new ideas and original games. You really get the feeling that they know how to push the boundaries of internet casino play whilst never jeopardising their status with their clients, which can only be a good thing for 888, their customers – and the industry as a whole.
