888 Poker Network

The 888 Poker Network is one of the oldest in the business launched its first poker room, Pacific Poker, back in 2002, though 888 Holdings the software development company has actually been in business since 1997. It took awhile for the 888 Network to get very far off the ground, but Pacific Poker finally took off, and 5 other online poker rooms have since been added. The peak hour traffic is now high enough to rank the 888 Poker Network in the 13th position overall in active player traffic. However, US players are restricted from playing for real money on the 888 Network.

Software And Games Offered On The 888 Poker Network

The poker client from 888 Holdings has always been well designed, but a number of updates between late 2007 and early 2008 finally brought the 888 Poker Network into the realm of exceptional poker software, offering a download version and Java client. The graphics are awesome, with 3D avatars and customizable decks, table backgrounds and other features. Statistically, players will find everything they need for optimal strategy in the lobby and on the virtual felt.

Multi-tabling is limited to 4 ring games, but the mini view functions are great. Special features include an instant hand replay, all-in verification button, chat call-outs and an excellent search feature.

The game variety on the 888 Network is fairly standard, offering Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo. Limits vary between games, with heads-up, short-handed and full-table ring games available.

888 Network Traffic Competition

The 888 Poker Network averages around 10,000 active players online at peak hours. About 2,000 of these flock to the ring games, concentrated mostly in Limit and No Limit Texas Hold'em, but the full game variety sees decent activity throughout the day. Tournaments attract another 8,000 players at peak hours.

The 888 Poker Network is loaded with soft, juicy competition. The lowest stakes are incredibly loose, while even the $15/$30 stakes can reveal viewed-flop percentages as high as 65-70%. Tournaments are just as loose, aside from the largest, most lucrative events. Freerolls are easily cashable for tight, strategic players with enough patience to survive the frivolous fishies.

Promotions On The 888 Network

The 888 Network runs various various promotions across its online poker skins, including the largest regularly scheduled tournament like the weekly $100k Guarantee and daily $5k/$10k GTDs. The 888 Poker Network also offers a multitude of live event satellites, awarding prize packages to the most prestigious poker tournaments including the new WSOP Online Poker Site.