888 UK Limited is part of the 888 Group, an online gambling company with a diverse portfolio of popular brands, including 888sport, 888casino, and 888poker. The company is based in Gibraltar and operates under various licenses granted by multiple jurisdictions. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of 888 UK Limited, its history, operations, and recent developments in the world of online gambling.
History of 888 UK Limited
888 UK Limited is part of the 888 Holdings PLC, which was founded in May 1997 by Israeli entrepreneurs Avi and Aaron Shaked, and Shay and Ron Ben-Yitzhak. The company's first website, Casino-on-Net, was launched at that time, and the administrative center was established in Antigua. In 2002, Reef Club Casino and Pacific Poker followed, and in 2003, the administrative center was moved to Gibraltar.
Listing on the London Stock Exchange
In 2005, 888 Holdings PLC was listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company owned several subsidiaries and brands, which it began to bring under the singular "888.com" brand in early 2006.
Expansion and Acquisitions
Over the years, 888 Holdings has expanded its operations through various acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Notably, in March 2007, 888 announced its acquisition of the bingo business of Globalcom Limited for up to $43.4 million in cash. In 2018, 888 expanded its American online poker business by becoming the sole owner of the All American Poker Network.
In May 2022, 888 announced that shareholders had approved the acquisition of international bookmakers William Hill. The deal, worth £1.95 billion, includes all of William Hill's UK assets and marks 888 Holdings' entry into the retail sports betting market with a network of over 1,400 betting shops in the UK.
Brands and Offerings
888 UK Limited operates numerous brands, each catering to a specific segment of the online gambling market. These brands include:
888casino
Founded in 1997, 888casino is one of the oldest online casinos on the internet. The casino offers a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, and has become a popular choice for online gamblers worldwide.
888poker
Launched in July 2002, 888poker is the company's online poker room. The platform offers various poker games, tournaments, and promotions, attracting poker enthusiasts from all over the world.
888sport
888sport is the company's sports betting brand, launched in March 2008. The online sportsbook offers betting options on various sports leagues from Europe, North America, and other regions. This includes both pre-game and live betting, with a wide range of betting markets available.
Bingo Brands
888 UK Limited owns and operates several online bingo sites, including 888ladies, Wink Bingo, Posh Bingo, Tasty Bingo, and RedBus Bingo. These sites offer both 75-ball and 90-ball bingo games, as well as slots, instant games, progressive jackpots, and scratchcards.
Sports Illustrated Sportsbook
The Sports Illustrated Sportsbook is a collaboration between 888 and Sports Illustrated, offering sports betting services to players. The brand combines sports offerings from 888 with sports data from Sports Illustrated and is currently live in the U.S. states of Colorado and Virginia.
Licensing and Regulation
888 UK Limited operates under various licenses granted by multiple jurisdictions. Some of the key licenses include:
- The UK Gambling Commission: 888 UK Limited is licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission under account number 39028.
- The Malta Gaming Authority: Virtual Digital Services Limited, a Malta-based company within the 888 Group, operates under a gaming license provided under the laws of Malta (MGA/CRP/543/2018).
- The Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association: Virtual Global Digital Services Limited and VDSL (International) Limited are licensed and regulated to offer online gaming services under the laws of Gibraltar.
Safer Gambling and Corporate Responsibility
888 UK Limited is committed to promoting safer gambling and adhering to high professional and ethical standards. The company strives to create an enjoyable gaming environment while ensuring that players have access to responsible gambling tools and support.
In addition to implementing responsible gambling measures, 888 UK Limited is dedicated to operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. This includes maintaining a policy of corporate and social responsibility that reflects the company's commitment to long-term growth and the well-being of its customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Working with 888 UK Limited
888 UK Limited values the talent, commitment, and skill of its global teams, and as a responsible company, it aims to be a responsible employer. The company offers various career opportunities in different fields, including technology, marketing, customer support, and more.
Financial Performance and Share Price
As a publicly traded company, 888 Holdings PLC's financial performance and share price are closely monitored by investors and market analysts. The company has a history of delivering strong financial results, driven by its diverse portfolio of brands and its focus on growth and innovation.
Controversies and Penalties
888 UK Limited has faced enforcement actions from regulatory authorities on two occasions. In 2017, the company was fined a record £7.8 million for failing to protect vulnerable customers. In March 2022, the UK Gambling Commission imposed a £9.4 million fine on 888 UK Limited for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings.
Management and Leadership
Over the years, 888 UK Limited has seen various changes in its management and leadership. Some notable executives include Gigi Levy, Brian Mattingley, and Itai Pazner. In January 2023, it was announced that Pazner would be removed from his role as CEO.
The Future of 888 UK Limited
As the online gambling industry continues to evolve, 888 UK Limited remains focused on growth and innovation. With its diverse portfolio of brands, commitment to responsible gambling, and strong financial performance, the company is well-positioned to maintain its prominence in the global online gambling market.