The Genesis of a Game-Changing Idea
888 Casino, originally known as Virtual Holdings Limited, was born in the British Virgin Islands in 1997. The company was the brainchild of two sets of brothers, Avi and Aaron Shaked, and Shay and Ron Ben-Yitzhaq. The quartet laid the foundation for what would become a monumental influence in the online gambling industry.
Launching Casino-on-Net
In May 1997, Virtual Holdings Limited was ready to unveil its first product, Casino-on-Net, which subsequently emerged as one of the most sought-after online casinos, creating a robust customer base.
Evolving the 888 Brand
To cater to the ever-evolving market dynamics, the company established Random Logic Limited in Israel in 1998. The subsidiary was tasked with research, development, and marketing services for 888, aiming to penetrate new markets and leverage advanced technologies to deliver the group's products directly to end-users.
Expanding the Portfolio
In 2002, the company launched its second online casino brand, Reef Club Casino, and debuted Pacific Poker, signalling its maiden venture into online poker. The same year, the company rebranded itself as 888, positioning itself as a market leader.
Going Public
In 2005, 888 Holdings decided to go public, listing its shares on the London Stock Exchange. The same year, 888.com was recognised as the Best Casino Operator of the Year and Best Overall Online Gaming Operators, further cementing its industry standing.
Mergers and Acquisitions
In 2006, the company initiated merger discussions with Ladbrokes, a major UK-based gambling organisation. However, with the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in the United States and alterations in tax laws in the UK, the companies decided to discontinue the discussions in 2007.
Diversifying the Business
The year 2007 also marked 888 Holding's significant acquisition of Globalcom, a leading online bingo company, signalling 888's entry into the bingo market. The launch of 888Sport in 2008 further diversified its portfolio, offering sports betting, casino, poker, and bingo – the four primary segments in online gambling.
The Dragonfish Era
In 2009, 888 rebranded its business-to-business division as Dragonfish. The purpose was to assist the group in delivering online results beyond its operations, optimising partner sites' player experiences, and providing a host of services such as marketing, operations, e-payment, and more.
The Current Scenario
Today, 888 Holdings continues to be at the forefront of the online gambling industry, with its poker network ranking third in terms of the number of players. With its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, 888 Holdings is set to continue its upward trajectory, reshaping the global landscape of online gambling.
Conclusion
The tale of 888 Casino is a testament to what a potent mixture of innovation, strategic planning, and customer-centric approach can achieve. From its humble start as Virtual Holdings Limited to its current status as a global leader in online gambling, 888 Casino has continually evolved and adapted to the ever-changing digital landscape, setting new benchmarks for the industry along the way. As the company continues to grow, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the 888 Casino story.