After years of testing and developing its new branded platform, 888Poker is finally ready to launch Poker8 globally. The new platform comes with lots of upgrades and formats to give mobile users an enhanced experience. Poker8 will be fully integrated with 888Poker, which will make it easy for online poker players in New Jersey to switch easily between the 2 verticals.
Online poker giant 888 was one of the very first entrants in the US online betting market, paving way for New Jersey to join the industry. It is 888’s success in the New Jersey market that encouraged other states and online poker sites and providers to enter the market. As a result of 888’s contribution, more states through legislation are now seriously considering authorizing an online poker market.
The recent shutdown has brought a resurgence for online poker. As such, 888 will likely perform well in this new environment. And because the pandemic numbers are higher than they were at the start of the year, it is expected that more and more individuals will turn online for their poker and gambling fix.
since social distancing measures and the lockdown were sanctioned on society, online poker playing has grown by more than 40%. First-time poker players curious about the game have also increased dramatically during the lockdown period.
888 Poker, as well as other operators in the Garden State must be prepared to meet this high demand by offering a supreme customer experience, as well as special events and tournaments designed to keep punters hooked.
$1025
Welcome Package
$25 free bonus + deposit match, first deposit up to $500.
$600
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up yo $600.
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
What we cover
How will the new online poker platform perform once it’s launched?
Naturally, individuals will always be interested in the newest poker platform to make entry into the market. The New Jersey poker market is slightly crowded and a garden variety poker platform might struggle to make its mark after the initial interest has passed.
Thankfully, however, 888 comes with a unique product offering that is sure to keep poker players in the state hooked. And although the pandemic has impacted gaming severely, it hasn’t impacted online verticals in the same way. Some verticals, namely online poker, have the space to shine during this social distancing period that prevents most individuals from venturing past their local grocery store.
There is no denying that online poker has been reinvigorated during the outbreak and will continue to remain that way until these tough times pass. Analysts observed a sharp rise in online poker activity as soon as lockdown sanctions were put into gear. And while the number of online poker players has gone down since then, the online poker industry is yet to experience as grand a return as pre-shutdown levels.
So what does the future of online poker look like?
To a huge extent, the future of online poker is largely tied to the consumers’ attitudes, as well as the pandemic. If people do not feel ready to return to normal levels of socializing, there is no doubt that it will have a permanent and long-lasting positive impact on any and every form of digital entertainment including online poker.
While poker rooms and casinos have slowly reopened with considerable social distancing protocols in place to keep everyone safe, punters must still decide whether they feel comfortable enough sitting at a table with strangers as they pass on chips and cards. Already, research shows that people are more willing to go cashless during this pandemic era.
A high number of individuals have admitted that they will maintain this cashless trend even after a vaccine is found as a result of health concerns. Although casinos have now offered punters various cash alternatives, eliminating poker chips and cards will prove almost impossible for poker rooms and casino floors across the world. The rise of mobile gaming has also helped to open up the game significantly to new and younger audiences. Mobile poker allows participants to play their favorite games and poker tournaments on the go.
As long as consumer preferences continue to shift from physical offerings to digital ones, there should be a space for online poker to thrive. The growing technological arena will also benefit online poker in the long run. Add to the mix the rollout of 5G, AR, and VR (augmented reality and virtual reality) and these are some of the developments that will allow online poker operators to offer their customers a better gaming experience.
One thing poker operators can do right now to enhance their user experience and to attract new players is to offer increased deposit and withdrawal options. Poker players and punters in general, require a safe and secure space that will allow them to carry out real cash transactions online. The good news is that poker already guarantees players the privacy of betting, which is music to most bettors’ ears.
Poker operators such as 888 should also focus on drumming up support for online poker so that the legalized market can make its way to more states. Currently, only 4 states enjoy legalized online poker, namely Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. An additional 2 states, Michigan and West Virginia should have passed online poker legalization by 2021.
So will online poker’s growth slow down? For the immediate future, things look bright for online poker. And even though there will no doubt come a time when the industry plateaus as it did before the pandemic, online poker will not slow down for quite some time, which is great news for online operators and poker players alike.
Final Thoughts
888 poker and all other platforms available in the New Jersey poker market have remained instrumental in keeping home-bound poker players entertained. With the pandemic decimating the physical casino market in Atlantic City, one bright spot for the individuals that rely on the tax revenue produced from gambling has been the surge of regulated online gaming, which includes poker.
Are you interested in playing poker online in New Jersey? Check out our in-depth reviews of the best poker sites in New Jersey: BetMGM, PartyPoker, and Borgata.
$1025
Welcome Package
$25 free bonus + deposit match, first deposit up to $500.
$600
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up yo $600.
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
