Poker remains 888’s biggest growing product, with an increase in revenue of more than 70% in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Its “star performer” helped 888 post over $30m in pre-tax profit in H1.
Active player numbers are up 63%, and first depositors up 48%. The report also mentions its success in the newly opened Spanish market, and touts its presence in Nevada. Many of the comments echo both its Q1 and Q2 report.
Mentioned specifically is its position on the PokerScout rankings, which orders networks by their average cash game traffic. It holds a commendable 4th position and, though it has seen declines in the last six months, has outperformed a stagnant industry.
Particularly impressive is its success in Spain. When the first regulated poker rooms went live on June 5, 888poker.ES took second place, ahead of PartyPoker, boasting more than twice the active players. It has seen a dip in numbers recently—possibly due to its decision to kick off non-Spanish players from the site—but maintains a strong position.
According to this week’s report, 888 has doubled its revenue in Spain following the opening of the regulated market, and is looking to “consolidate and build upon this strong position” with “concerted marketing efforts.” It may not be able to compete with the deep pockets of PokerStars—who signed up Rafa Nadal soon after the Spanish rooms went live—but all poker rooms should hope for growth in the market now that online poker is a white-market industry.
Its poker growth started back in early 2011, when it rolled out its new “Poker 6” back in February of that year which indicated a clear change in approach to its online poker growth. Since then there have been various software updates and innovations, including “lounges,” an Android mobile client, an iPad app and webcam tables.
