After reports that Caesar Interactive Entertainment (CIE) and the poker room operator 888 Holdings PLC have agreed to continue their partnership, now we know the new contract is valid for the next five years. That means 888’s software will continue to power WSOP New Jersey and Nevada and contribute to expanding the network for WSOP Michigan and Pennsylvania, at least until 2026
The continuation of this partnership only further seals 888’s presence in the US market. Before this announcement, 888 confirmed that it would prolong its exclusive B2B partnership with the Delaware Lottery for another two years.
Since operators expect more clarity regarding the Wire Act, which should allow liquidity sharing in Pennsylvania and Michigan, the partnerships will benefit from expanding shared liquidy in the country.
This newly signed agreement with CIE will help 888 spread its influence on the US market’s only shared player liquidity poker network across Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Rolling Out New Software
With a new deal comes new software. 888’s brand new Poker 8 client will collaborate with WSOP. The revamped look received only positive reviews across Europe, where upgrades have been introduced gradually since 2018.
The upgraded software added functionality, improved graphics, and paid particular attention to mobile optimization. With more players opting for mobile play, the software contributed to handheld devices’ sleek new portrait mode.
When the new software launched in Europe at the end of 2020, players rushed to join and get a chance to win one of the industry’s highest prize pools — $1 million.
What to Expect in the Future?
Senior Vice President and Head of US at 888 Holdings, Yaniv Sherman, spoke about 888’s desire to continue to expand the platform’s presence across the US. Sherman added that he was hopeful that the expansion would happen after the required regulatory approvals went through. He concluded that this is an excellent opportunity to establish 888’s long-term presence in the US market.
Understandably, the shared liquidity across US state borders is essential to 888. While its current interstate player pool is active in only three states, 888 is looking to expand the network even further.
Aside from the new Platform 8 put into motion, the global pandemic has also greatly influenced an extremely successful 2020 for 888. Poker revenue was up 47.8% in the past year.
The main focus of 888 is online poker in Pennsylvania. The launch is impending, and the chance of pooling other states’ players together in the future is high. The Multi State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) hopes to see the Keystone State in the mix soon, with Michigan joining shortly after.
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Bethany has been working in online gambling for over 13 years. She got her start in the industry as her first job after graduating from the Professional Writing Program at York University. Having written for many online gaming publications and worked with top casino operators, she has unique insight into the gambling market. Bethany maintains a personal interest in iGaming as she continues to play poker online as a hobby.