A veteran room with one of the softest player pools in online poker — welcome bonus, tournaments, and how to get started
888poker Review 2026
A veteran room with one of the softest player pools in online poker — welcome bonus, tournaments, and how to get started
What Is 888poker?
In this 888poker review, we cover everything new players need before registering. Founded in 2002 and operated by 888 Holdings — a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, alongside brands like 888casino, 888sport, William Hill, and Mr Green — 888poker is one of the most established names in online poker. Unlike network-based rooms, it runs its own independent player pool, giving it full control over its promotions and tournament schedule.
888poker has settled into a clear identity: it’s not chasing the biggest global traffic numbers anymore, but it consistently ranks among the softest player pools of any major room, which makes it a strong pick for recreational and mid-stakes players rather than high-volume grinders. The lobby centers on Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, with a tournament schedule built around Mystery Bounty formats and the recurring XL Series.
Welcome Bonus Breakdown
New players get a 100% first deposit match up to $1,000, along with additional free tournament tickets on top. Exact figures can vary slightly by region and current promotion, so it’s worth double-checking the offer shown at registration, but the core package looks like this:
How it clears: like most deposit bonuses, this isn’t credited instantly — it releases gradually as you generate rake at the tables, over a period of roughly 30 days depending on the current promotion terms. In some regions, 888poker also runs a no-deposit welcome offer worth a portion in free tournament tickets and cash, credited automatically after signup — check what’s available in your region during registration.
Verdict at a Glance
- Consistently one of the softest player pools of any major room
- Long track record — operating since 2002, backed by a public company
- PayPal supported for deposits and withdrawals — rare among poker rooms
- Daily Mystery Bounty tournaments and the recurring XL Series
- Loyalty program (888poker Club) with permanent tier progress
- Fewer game variants than some competitors — mainly Hold’em and PLO
- Bonus terms and no-deposit offers vary by region
- Traffic is lower than the biggest global networks
Cash Games, Tournaments & Traffic
888poker’s tournament lobby leans heavily on Mystery Bounty formats and the XL Series, its recurring flagship guarantee series, alongside a steady schedule of daily MTTs. Live partnerships — including stops on the 888poker Live circuit and ties to the UK Poker League — connect the online room to real-world events for players chasing bigger exposure.
On the cash game side, traffic isn’t the largest in the industry, but the pool is widely regarded as one of the softest among licensed rooms, which tends to favor recreational and low-to-mid stakes players over high-volume regulars looking purely for rakeback value.
Deposits, Withdrawals & Loyalty Program
888poker supports a wide range of banking options including Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and bank transfer — PayPal support in particular is unusual for a poker room and a real convenience for UK and European players. The 888poker Club loyalty system replaces traditional points-for-cash schemes with challenge-based progression: as you complete challenges, you unlock permanent tier levels, gold tokens redeemable for rewards, and access to freerolls with bigger guarantees.
How to Get Started
FAQ
Is 888poker legit?
Yes — as this 888poker review has covered, the room has operated since 2002 and is run by 888 Holdings, a company publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Do I need a bonus code?
Some 888poker welcome offers require a promo code entered during signup or on your first deposit — check the exact offer shown at registration, as terms can vary by region.
Can I play 888poker on mobile?
Yes, 888poker offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS, alongside its desktop client and instant browser play.
Does 888poker support PayPal?
Yes — 888poker is one of the few poker rooms that accepts PayPal for both deposits and withdrawals, alongside Skrill, Neteller, cards, and bank transfer.
Is 888poker good for beginners?
Yes — its player pool is widely considered one of the softest among licensed poker rooms, making it a solid starting point for recreational and newer players.
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