Society’s move to smartphone technology during the last decade has had a tremendous impact on the way people communicate with the wider world. Connections are now made instantaneously, and mobile devices are seemingly omnipresent, with us from the moment the alarm bell rings in the morning to when the final texts are sent before bed.
Downloadable apps accessible on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices represent a multibillion dollar industry, and increasingly, people are using those apps to enjoy the entertainment value offered by games.
According to a report issued by app economy research firm AppAnnie, “games generated approximately 85 percent of mobile app market revenue in 2015, representing a total of $34.8 billion across the globe.” That report also indicates that the app-based gaming industry will grow to $41.5 billion in 2016, before reaching $74.6 billion by 2020.
Leading online poker platforms like 888 Poker make up a significant portion of the mobile gaming market today, with millions of players around the world now able to enjoy their favorite games anywhere. In fact, the 888 Poker mobile app was designed to perfectly replicate the site’s software client, providing a seamless transition between the primary poker room and the mobile alternative.
The following review covers essential information about the 888 Poker app for Android devices, including download requirements, gameplay features, and comparisons to the main client.
Getting Started
In order to access the 888 Poker free app on your Android device, you’ll begin by visiting the site’s mobile page. From there, entering your phone number to receive an SMS text, entering your email address, or scanning a QR code will make the app available.
Even though 888 Poker is an international company which serves customers all over the world, the mobile app is not available everywhere, but players in the UK, the EU, Australia, Asia, and certain jurisdictions within the US should have no issues logging in.
Players who already have an account with 888 Poker simply need to input their screenname and password information as usual. For new players, take a moment to create an account through the main site via your browser, before downloading the mobile app to your Android device.
Gameplay Features
Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in, a streamlined version of the same 888 Poker experience you’re familiar is now always within arm’s reach.
The lobby screen consists of a Cashier button – through which banking features like deposits and withdrawals can be reached – along with your screenname and current bankroll in the top right-hand corner. In the lower right-hand corner, you’ll find the standard “?” button for Help, and the “Gearbox” button for Account Settings.
Three poker variants are included in the 888 Poker mobile app, Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud, with various stakes from limit, pot-limit, and no-limit available.
The main lobby screen is divided by three main tabs: Beginners, Cash, and Sit & Go. By clicking on the Beginners tab, you’ll have three low-stake cash game tables to choose from: nine-handed $0.01/$0.02 NLHE, six-handed $0.03/$0.06 NLHE, or nine-handed $0.05/$0.10 NLHE. Under the Cash and Sit & Go tabs, you’ll find real money ring games and one-table tournaments, respectively.
A simple set of buttons and sliders allow you to select game type (No-Limit, Limit, etc.), table type (nine-handed, six-handed, etc.), and stakes ($0.01/$0.02 through $5.00/$10.00).
The full schedule of 888 Poker multi-table tournaments is also available, including the site’s $90 buy-in $100,000 guaranteed Sunday Challenge, and the $35 buy-in $25,000 guaranteed Wednesday Challenge.
Snapping into Action
Playing either cash games or tournament poker generally requires an extended period of time, so even if you’re using a tech tip to extend your Android’s battery life, you’ll benefit from seamless software and high-speed play.
Fortunately, the 888 Poker mobile app runs smoothly with a basic high-speed wireless internet connection. In-game animations such as cards being dealt and chips going into the pot occur without skipping or freezing the screen.
The convenient Quick Seat function, which allows players to program their preferred game type and stakes, has been adapted from the desktop client. This means you can automate the game selection process, letting the software bring you directly to the latest table with a seat open which meets your specifications.
Even better, the fast-paced Snap Poker feature has been included in the mobile app, so players can enjoy nonstop action without the usual waits. During a Snap Poker game, the moment you click fold to throw away your hand, you’ll instantly be transported to another table and dealt a new hand. The Snap Poker concept constantly revolves players through a series of tables, so you won’t be wasting precious battery life waiting for habitual tankers or huge pots to play out.
Bonuses
New players registering to the site for the first time will receive an $88 no-deposit bonus simply for signing up. After creating an 888 Poker account, either via the desktop client or the mobile app, check out your account information to claim your first bonus. This no-deposit bonus, which expires on April 15th, 2016, is earned in $8 increments as you earn bonus points while playing real money poker.
In addition, the site offers all new players a Welcome Bonus of 100% on their first deposit, up to $400. This means that when you deposit $20 to get started, you’ll begin with $40 in your account, and if you can afford it, a $400 deposit will start you with an $800 bankroll. The funds generated by this Welcome Bonus are distributed in $10 increments for each 100 bonus points you earn.
Conclusions
The 888 Poker mobile app offers Android device users a top-notch experience from top to bottom. Although a few improvements could be made, the app is still one of the best in the bunch when it comes to mobile online poker platforms.
A few drawbacks include no ability to multi-table, or play several games simultaneously, and the lack of a player search function. Veterans accustomed to using a heads-up display (HUD) while playing will also be disappointed to find that no third-party software is permitted, but with only one table in play at a time, HUDs are not missed nearly as much. Even so, players can always take screenshots of relevant hands to use for later research, a process made much easier by the new Marshmallow operating system for Android.
Overall, the 888 Poker mobile app for Android honors its namesake platform’s reputation, offering players reliable software, plentiful game selection, and an intuitive interface. With a healthy menu of cash games, sit & gos, and multi-table tournaments, the mobile app provides a complete experience for players of all specialties and stakes.
Setup is very, very simple. This app definitely makes it as easy as possible for you to get in and start setting up your social networks. When the app is launched, you’re taken to a screen that gives you a little run-down on all the big features of the app.
