888poker

Ultimate Casino Review: 888poker New Zealand 

Since the lockdowns led to physical casinos shutting their doors, Kiwis have fast cultivated a culture where online gambling is the new rave. New Zealanders now prefer exploring the exciting and immersive gaming world from their home's comfort.

The classic table game of wits, Poker, is at the forefront of this wave. 

Kiwis get to play real money games, participate in tournaments, and win huge cash payouts while having fun. So, it's not surprising that pioneering online poker websites, such as 888poker, have some of the highest followerships in these parts. 

This 888 Holdings establishment, launched in 2002, promises Kiwis the best poker gaming on their desktop and smartphones. However, does it make good on this pledge, or do we have another situation of all talk and no action on our hands? 

Our experts have the answer, taking the time to access this Gibraltar, UK and Malta-licensed platform. 

The subsequent sections reveal its game varieties, mobile experience, and more. 

Let's get to it, shall we? 

Poker Games at PokerStars

Players can select up to 7 categories from 888poker's gaming lobby. Kiwis can access the following sections on their mobile app:

Texas Hold'em

Texas Hold'Em is the #1 Poker variation available at 888poker. Its rules are some of the most basic plays. Thus, experts recommend beginners start their journey leading this variant. 

Omaha 

Arguably the second most popular Poker variation, 888poker offers multiple gaming rooms to Omaha fans. You can play top formats like Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi/Lo with the click of a button. 

The Omaha lobby has over ten tables, with buy-ins starting as low as 40¢. High-rollers can also get in on the fun, with the highest room having a $2,000 tag. 

Blast 

This Poker category offers high rewards for low risk, with players standing to win up to 10,000x their buy-ins at a table. 

Play kicks off with the traditional Texas Hold'em format but switches when the blast timer starts. During this period, every player is automatically put all in, with only one emerging victorious. 

Players aren't aware of the prize pool in a blast game. Nonetheless, figures can reach 2-10000x of the buy-in, adding a touch of mystery to your gameplay as three players compete for the reward.

Snap 

Sometimes, Poker games can drag out for a while, especially when an opponent takes considerable time deciding their plays. However, 888poker's "Snap" lobby is the solution for fans who desire fast-paced games. 

You'll get a seat at another table with the dealer dealing you new cards immediately after you quick-fold a hand. This poker variation is available in tournaments and cash game formats. 

Mystery Bounty 

In this game format, you'll slug it out with other players, with the operator placing random mystery prizes on each gamer. Bounties are up for grabs to anyone who knocks out their opponents. Prize pools in this category are as high as $500,000. 

Tournaments 

888poker has many tournaments, with buy-ins starting at zero cost to options for high rollers going for over $2,000. 

Here are the types of tournaments Kiwis should expect to play at 888poker. 

• Sit & Go: This Poker tournament commences when the number of registered players has reached a certain threshold. 2-360 gamers can participate with an average 6-9 bettors seated at a table. 
• Multi-Table Tournaments: One of the best ways to turn low wagers into massive payouts is through a Multi-Table Tournament. You'll progress to another table in this format as your opponent busts out. The top 10-15% get a share of the prize pool. 
• Heads-Up Poker Tournaments: This tournament has a classic one-on-one match-up as you go against opponents one at a time on the road to becoming champion. It's one of the most thrilling poker formats, often featuring the best strategies. 
• Poker Satellite Tournaments: If you desire to play at revered live events like WSOP (World Series of Poker) and lack the funds for required buy-ins, then Poker Satellite Tournaments are up your alley. This tourney is essentially a lottery to get tickets to these WSOP-like events. 

How to Play Real Money Poker Online at 888poker 

888poker is available for instant play or app download. If you opt for the former, you can skip step 1. 

Here's how gambling Kiwis can play real money poker at 888poker: 

Step 1: Download the 888poker App 

• Head to the official 888poker website via our exclusive link 
• Select the "Install App" banner to download the app to your smartphone
• Proceed to install and launch the 888poker application 

Step 2: Registration 

• Select the "Register" banner to join the 888poker family
• Provide basic information such as first and last name, country of residence (New Zealand), email, and date of birth 
• Ensure all information here are accurate
• Accept the operator's T&Cs and Privacy policy and click Next 

Step 3: Provide Your Username 

• On the next page, fill in your unique username, password, and security Q&A
• Select next 
• Provide your accurate residential and contact information, including postal code, city of residence, address, and mobile contact
• You can opt-in for 888poker's newsletter
• Tap the final banner to complete the registration 

Step 4: Complete a Deposit 

• Top up your 888poker account by selecting the deposit menu at the page's far right bottom corner. 
• Choose your preferred banking system from the available options 
• Input your desired deposit figure
• Provide the necessary financial information 
• Select deposit to complete the transaction

Step 5: Select a Poker Room 

Once you've completed your registration and facilitated a deposit, you'll gain full access to 888poker's gaming rooms for real money gaming. 

Select a game of your choice, play, and have fun. 

How to Play Poker Games for Free at 888poker 

888poker offers players the opportunity to explore their offerings, indulging in a fabled poker thrill at zero cost. Kiwis can play their favorite Omaha or Texas Hold'em poker for free. 

Here's how to go about launching this mode on the 888poker app:

• Launch the 888poker app 
• Complete registration 
• Select the menu bar at the top left of the homepage
• Proceed to switch from "Real Money" to "Play Money" 
• In this mode, you can play for free and replenish your credits instantly if they run out 
• Select a game room from available lobbies and have fun 

Players activate the "Play Money" mode to hone their strategies or learn new ropes around unfamiliar terrain. It's essentially a demo version to explore 888poker's offerings. 

However, you can't keep any earnings while in this mode. When you switch back, your balance reverts to your original real money balance. 

Pros 

• Gaming rooms are available without downloads
• Offers a massive collection of poker tournaments 
• Multiple promotions available 
• One of the top websites in terms of traffic 
• Soft player toughness 
• Offers an excellent mobile app for Android and iOS users 
• Create custom rooms with friends 

Cons 

• Limited payment mediums compared to competitors 
• Layout lacks vibrance 
• Slow withdrawal times 

Mobile Experience 

The 888poker app offers access to all 888's products, including casino and sports betting. However, Poker takes center stage, with Kiwis getting access to over six lobbies, all providing at least ten gaming rooms of the iconic table game. 

Players get a more compact layout compared to its desktop variant, but games still load rapidly, and app navigation remains as intuitive and seamless as the latter. You can sign into your 888poker account using your password or biometrics, adding an extra layer of convenience while maintaining high-security levels. 

Kiwis can play against their friends using an invite code. You can also create or join a gaming room via this option. The 888poker app allows you to express emotions with funny emojis during play, ensuring the atmosphere stays light. 

Multiple settings such as avatar selection, autofocus, and auto rebuy are available and help to improve New Zealanders' gameplay experience on the app. 

Payment Methods Available at 888poker 

888poker offers Kiwis an array of transaction channels, with the platform fielding the following alternatives:

• Visa 
• Mastercard 
• Skrill 
• Neteller 

The minimum deposit value at 888poker is $5, with transactions reflecting immediately. Payouts are fastest on eWallets, with these payments reflecting within 48 hours after the pending period of about 24 hours. 

888poker's withdrawal rules demand that bettors finish  their verification before placing payout requests. This caveat isn't unreasonable, as licensed operators must observe such rules. 

Customer Support at 888poker 

The 888poker support center team is available 24/7 and accessible by email (form). On its website, you can also check out the in-depth FAQs, tutorials, posts, and community forums available.

888poker doesn't have a live chat support channel and its app doesn't provide access to the FAQs section, but insightful tutorials and tips make up for this segment's absence. 

Final Thoughts 

888poker makes good on its promises of delivering an outstanding Poker experience to betting Kiwis. Despite its limited variety, it maintains excellent performance, intriguing and immersive gameplay, and multiple buy-in options in available gaming rooms. 

You wouldn't have to look too far to see why the Poker site received EGR awards in 2021 and 2022. This 888 Holdings establishment deserves a spot in your poker gaming hall. Remember to gamble responsibly.