Casino Site Expert Review: 888 Casino

History

888casino is one of the oldest online casinos, having been launched in 1997. It has established itself as one of the leading online casinos, with over 25 million people having used it since its inception. It was initially launched in Antigua but the parent company, 888 Holdings, transferred its administrative headquarters to Gibraltar in 2003. 888 Holdings also runs other gambling websites such as 888poker and 888bingo. The operating subsidiary of the company, which manages the day-to-day running of the casino, is called Cassava Enterprises - it is incorporated in Gibraltar and operates under the laws of that jurisdiction. 888 Holdings has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2005.

Casino Website

888casino has a very simple and easy-to-use lobby which is definitely a positive feature. The games are divided into six logical categories with large images for each one - live dealers, slot machines, roulette & blackjack, jackpot games, card & table games, and arcade games. You also have a list of the top games, the games you have recently played, and a link to your favourite games, which means you can access them very quickly. And each section you enter is opened in a separate tab which means you can switch between them and the lobby very easily. Your balance is shown clearly, some current bonuses on offer are shown, and there are links to the help section, the practice play section, and your account. With clear and enticing graphics this adds up to a very straightforward and easily navigable site.

Software

The casino is available as either a download or a flash instant-play version. The casino section of the site is powered by 888’s own custom developed software. 888 are one of the few companies around with the knowledge and financial clout sufficient to develop their own software to such a high standard, guaranteeing you a great playing experience different from all their competitors. There are games from other casino software producers but these are not available from the online casino. Instead you need to select the games section from the website 888.com. Your 888casino account details work for this section too, and allow access to a very wide range of other games, including all the table games and many more slots and numbers games.

Live Casino

Currently Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat are offered with live dealers. The graphics are good and there are different versions of the games available to play. However, there is no easily accessible information on the dealers themselves which does detract slightly from the live dealing experience.

Customer Support

It is stated that customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 11 different languages by phone, email and live online chat. However, this does not seem to apply to all queries, and creates some confusion as to what support exactly is offered. If you go to the help section you will be initially directed to a series of frequently asked questions, and if these do not answer your query then you are offered the option of emailing the support team. The live chat and phone options are only offered in the cashier section of the site - phone support is 24/7, but the live chat is only available between 1pm and 10pm GMT.

Payment Methods

All major payment methods are accepted, with no fee charged by the site for either depositing or withdrawing money. For some withdrawal methods there is quite a long processing period. Deposit methods accepted include Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, Maestro debit cards, Laser cards, Paypal, Ukash, Paysafecard, Neteller, Skrill/Moneybookers, Clickandbuy, Entropay, Cashup, Bank/wire transfers, InstantBanking, Bank transfer. You can withdraw by Visa and Mastercard credit cards, Maestro debit cards, Bank draft, Cheque, Skrill/Moneybookers, Neteller, Paypal, Bank/wire transfer, Clickandbuy Webmoney, Entropay, Moneta.

Safety and Security

Strict procedures are followed to ensure the safety and privacy of your personal information. The site uses encryption to ensure that all information is stored securely. TRUSTe software, from the leading online privacy management company, is used to certify the safety of your personal details.

Licence

888casino operates under a gaming licence granted in the jurisdiction of Gibraltar.

Reliability & Fairness

888casino is fully certified and regulated to ensure that all games are fair, with both the payout percentages and gameplay strictly controlled to ensure fairness. The site is accredited by eCOGRA which is a testing agency operating in many jurisdictions, including Gibraltar, with the aim of ensuring fair and responsible gaming, superior operating standards, and professional conduct.

Social Engagement

888casino states that it aims to place the customer and community at the centre of their commercial activities. With this in mind, the company has formed links with many organisations that promote responsible gambling and the protection of minors, including Gamblers Annoymous and GamCare. They also sponsor activities in the neighbourhoods in which their operations are based, and offer financial support to many charities including Oxfam and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mobile / Tablets

Mobile casino has recently been introduced and is available on Android and App Store, for use on both your mobile and tablet. The games available are currently quite limited but more are in the process of being added. At the moment you can download apps to play roulette on your Apple device, while roulette, blackjack and some slots are available for Android devices.

Free Demo Play

There is a link in the bottom right-hand corner of the lobby which enables you to go to a separate page for practice play. Nearly all the games they offer in the casino are available in this alternative practice lobby. This is a very useful tool, and allows you to experiment with new games and perfect your technique before returning to the money games.

Promotions and bonuses

888casino are currently offering a sign-up bonus of £800 for new players. They will give you 100% of your first deposit up to £100, with a minimum deposit of £20. There are also other promotions which they offer regularly to keep you interested. These include offers like doubling the jackpot on certain slots, free spins, or periodic bonus payouts when a certain number comes up on the roulette wheel. There is also currently an excellent £100 bonus for every friend you get to join the site.

Loyalty Scheme

888casino likes your custom and aims to keep it! They offer a loyalty scheme which is based on Comp Points. Every £10 you bet earns you 1.5 Comp Points. 150 points can be converted into £1. Basically it’s free cash! Not a massive amount but enough to give you an occasional free shot at winning big.

VIP Scheme

If you like being treated well - and who doesn’t? - then maybe you’ll eventually be able to become a VIP. These schemes are limited to those players who have bet certain amounts in their lifetime as an 888casino player. There are three levels – VIP, VIP Gold, and VIP Platinum. Currently you have to have accumulated 150,000 Comp Points to become a VIP member. You will then be entitled to a quite a few perks from 888casino. These include special VIP bonuses and promotions, invitations to hospitality events, your own personal account manager, and special VIP tables for those who like to bet big. It might be a long way off, but there’s no harm in imagining that one day it might be you!

Pros

• Clear and easily navigated graphical interface
• Very wide variety of games
• Great practice play section

Cons

• Customer support not very comprehensive
• Long processing times for some withdrawal methods
• Mobile casino not so comprehensive

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