In a strategic move, 888 Holdings (now evoke plc) has announced the imminent closure of its online poker platform, 888poker, in New Jersey, effective June 3, 2024, signaling a shift in its business strategy.
888 Holdings’ decision to shutter 888poker in New Jersey extends to its 888casino NJ app, marking the company’s withdrawal from the Garden State’s online gambling landscape. Despite this move, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) will continue its operations in New Jersey.
Strategic Realignment and Market Performance
The impending closure of 888poker follows the company’s earlier announcement in February regarding the sale of its U.S. gaming assets to Hard Rock Digital, a subsidiary of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This strategic realignment aims to refocus 888’s gaming operations on global markets while reducing its presence in North America.
888poker’s performance in New Jersey has been underwhelming, contributing a negligible 0.006% of the state’s online poker revenue since January 2024. With PartyPoker reporting slightly higher revenue at $532,872 during the same period, 888poker’s market share dwindled to approximately 0.67% in March.
Players currently using 888poker and 888casino NJ have been instructed to withdraw their funds before the platform’s closure on June 3. Any remaining balances will be refunded via check in the subsequent months. However, Hard Rock Digital, the new owner of 888’s U.S. assets, does not plan to introduce online poker to its New Jersey platform.
This marks the first departure of an online poker operator in New Jersey since September 2014 when Ultimate Poker and Betfair ceased operations. Despite 888poker’s exit, the continued presence of WSOP ensures that players in New Jersey will still have robust online poker options.
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