It seems there’s no end to new technological breakthroughs when it comes to online poker rooms and casinos. 888 Poker, which is one of the world’s leading online poker sites, has announced a new feature that is sure to please many poker players. This new venture will enable online players to chat via webcams when they’re at poker tables. It basically means they can play against each other in a face-to-face setting by utilizing streaming audio and video technology.
It’s no surprise that 888 is one of the first major online poker sites to launch this feature as the company is one of the leaders of the online gaming industry. The company did well financially at the end of last year as its fourth-quarter poker earnings were up by 28 per cent, reaching $11 million. But overall, the site saw a decline for the full year as revenues dipped by 26 per cent to a total of $38 million.
The webcam launch is one of the site’s new features as it goes through a major revamping, which is designed at making the site more attractive and appealing to those who are interesting in playing online poker for recreation. The 888 site is also promoting the new venture by advertising it in the UK.
The chief executive of 888 Casino, Gigi Levy, said he was happy that the poker business picked up towards the end of the year, considering the struggles it went through during 2009 and the first three quarters of 2010. However, the he believes the company’s new business ventures and initiatives will see the online poker side of the site increase in popularity during the coming months. He added that webcam poker was a good start.
The site feels that online poker was too focused on making money in the past and that this gives people a chance to meet others, to socialize, and to play the games together, much like online bingo does. 888 believes the new webcam games will attract those who are just looking for a casual online poker game where they can relax and have fun.
888Casino was launched in 1997 and has become one of the most popular online gaming sites in the world. The company makes it headquarters in Gibraltar and is licensed by that nation’s government. The group’s holding company, which is known as 888 Holdings PLC, is also listed on the London Stock Exchange.