One of the best-known casino and betting brands in Canada, 888 was among the first online poker rooms to apply for an Ontario Online Casino license this year.
As such, the newly-launched 888poker Ontario holds a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to allow ON users to play poker safely and legally within the province.
Offering everything from cash games to MTT tournaments with huge guaranteed prize pools, 888poker provides a huge range of exciting game options at stakes to suit all players.
888poker was one of the first major poker sites to acquire a gaming license in Ontario. Though users will have known the brand as one of several Canada-friendly offshore operators, this means 888 now offers a locally regulated online poker experience.
There was a lot of fanfare when 888 announced it was launching enhanced Poker 8 software, and the latest update certainly doesn't disappoint. Though not the prettiest looking interface, poker players will get to enjoy a personalized experience that lets them filter a wide range of games and poker tournaments to display only the results they need.
Also available as a downloadable app on iOS and from the Google Play Store, 888poker offers a robust platform that won't let players down. Tournaments run smoothly with little lag, while disconnections are rare. On top of that, the site and app are incredibly secure, meaning players won't have to worry about their details falling into the wrong hands.
The 888poker site is available on both desktop and mobile browsers and can also be downloaded as a casino app on iOS, Android and desktop. Whatever version of the platform players use, they'll be treated to a robust online gaming experience that's fast, reliable and won't crash in the middle of games. New players may find the initial layout a bit overwhelming, but like all good poker rooms, once filters are applied, it becomes more manageable.
Most options are split between the cash games tab and the tournaments tab, but there are also further sections for SNG tournaments and live events. Furthermore, the account section and cashier are intuitively placed, making it easy to make your first deposit and start playing.
888poker offers a range of downloadable apps on both desktop and mobile devices. While users can also play cash games and tournaments by logging in directly on the website, in our opinion, the experience and quality of gameplay is better on the app.
Top Features:
⭐ Play Snap Poker on the go
With a new hand starting the moment you fold, 888poker's patented Snap variant was made to play on mobile.
⭐ Launch games in just a few taps
The simple, user-friendly lobbies at 888poker allow mobile players to launch highlighted games and tournaments MTT in a couple of taps.
⭐ Licensed and regulated in Ontario
The 888poker Ontario app was specifically designed for players in the province, making it one of the first purpose-built platforms for online betting in Ontario.
*You must be physically located within Ontario to play on the mobile app.
Just like any other poker room, the 888poker platform can also be downloaded as a desktop app. This gives players access to all the features of the website, with the added advantage that they can play poker across multiple tables at once. This makes the desktop app a stronger choice for serious players, while the site caters for users looking for a quick game.
888poker is home to a variety of thrilling casino games covering both Texas Hold'em poker and Omaha. Both formats are available as tournaments and cash tables, and players can buy in at a varying stakes depending on their bankroll. Most tournaments are No Limit Texas Hold'em, but within that players will find multi-flight tournaments, progressive knockout events and more.
The two main game varieties at 888poker Ontario are:
Eagle-eyed readers will note this isn't the full range of poker variants offered by 888 in other territories, so presumably, the game selection has been adjusted to suit tastes in Ontario. Sadly, this means no Limit Hold'em or Stud game options are available.
Cash games at 888poker Ontario are available at limits from C$0.01/$C0.02 up to C$10/C$20. In addition to selecting NLHE or PLO, users can play a variety of game types including regular, Snap and all-in or fold. All real money hands also contribute points towards the 888poker Club.
888 really shines in its range of poker tournaments. There's everything from free play contests where prizes are granted in tournament tickets to those costing up to $20,000 on offer. Players should know tournament tickets gradually expire and are only valid for selected games.
One of the simplest and purest forms of poker, 888 offers on-demand SNG tournaments at a wide range of stakes in both six and nine-handed formats.
As one of the world's biggest poker brands, it's no surprise 888 offers big tournament series and satellite qualifiers to major events. Currently, users in Ontario can win a C$13,000 tournament ticket package to the WSOP by playing the latter, with buy-ins starting from as little as C$1.
Unfortunately, 888poker's Home Game service - which let's players set up private tables so they can play against their friends - is not currently available in Ontario.
As a hugely reputable poker brand, 888 prides itself on providing a safe and secure environment where users are always encouraged to play responsibly. The site uses independently verified RNG software to ensure the fairness of its deals, while 128-bit SSL encryption and two-step authentication are both used to protect customers' sensitive information.
888poker also offers support tools to help players who are concerned they may have a gambling problem. From helpful FAQs to optional account restrictions available, there are plenty of ways for users to keep playing responsibly. For more information on support tools, please visit the Responsible Gaming section of the website.
In terms of available casino payment options, 888poker supports the following methods:
888poker is currently one of the best locally licensed options available to players in Ontario. The platform offers a huge selection of poker tournaments with big guarantees, satellite qualifiers to major live casino events and a range of unique game variants you won't find anywhere else. Though the Ontario offering is currently a little stripped back compared to what 888 offers elsewhere, we're sure this is just an early launch consideration and more features will be added shortly.
Yes. 888 Holdings PLC is a well-known company that offers a trio of products - sports betting, casino and poker. Canadians can use both the poker platform and the Ontario online casino.
Yes. 888poker was one of the first platforms to obtain a gaming license to operate in ON. Issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission for Ontario, this makes it a very reputable place to play.
Of course. 888poker has been offering services to players worldwide since 2002. The brand is known for its thrilling games and big guaranteed prize pools, as well as a popular rewards club.
Yes. While players at 888poker do not have to be Ontario residents, they will need to be located within the province to play on the website or app and geolocation software will enforce this.
Again yes. 888poker Ontario can be accessed on your phone either by playing directly on your mobile browser or downloading the standalone 888poker app for iOS or Android.
In order to play at 888poker Ontario, players must be 19+ and located within the province. The app will also ask them to confirm they are eligible and fit to play whenever they log in.