888 hails poker integrity as SI Casino swells Gaming Realms’ US reach

Michigan
Image: Hanson L/Shutterstock

888 has facilitated an expanded presence in the US state of Michigan for Gaming Realms, with the provider to launch a range of content alongside SI Casino.

Furthermore, the online gambling operator’s 888poker brand has also announced the recovery of a record amount from gaming integrity reviews through the past year.

Sports Illustrated broadens Gaming Realms’ US reach

The gaming content provider will expand its presence in the Wolverine State alongside the recently launched, and Sports Illustrated branded, SI Casino, which is owned and operated by 888.

Under the terms of the partnership, the igaming site will gain an additional content uplift courtesy of titles such as Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania and Slingo Deal or No Deal.

Howard Mittman, 888 US President, noted: “Partnering further with Gaming Realms through our new SI Casino brand is a key part of our product and content leadership strategy in the US. 

“This collaboration will help us to provide unique and exciting experiences to our players in Michigan, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Gaming Realms team.”

This latest tie-up in the state for Gaming Realms comes after the group made its debut in the region during 2022, and expands an ongoing partnership with the operator group.

The two companies have also partnered-up in Spain, Denmark, Sweden and New Jersey across the last three months. 

Craig Falciglia, Director of Business Development at Gaming Realms, said: “We are excited to once again partner with 888 and to deliver innovative slots that offer unparalleled engagement through decision-based choices to their customer-base in Michigan. 

“This collaboration through SI Casino further builds upon our flourishing relationship with 888, having already received positive feedback from similar global agreements with the operator.”    

888poker recovers ‘record amount’ from integrity reviews

888’s online poker room has also disclosed that it has returned $287,292 of refunds to players through 2022, which have been recovered from accounts that have been deemed to have violated its fair gaming policy.

In addition to detailing progress on the issue of bots and RTA, software programming used to create unfair advantages over real-life players, 888poker also noted that it also “detected players colluding with each other for unfair advantage”.

In total, the operator refunded 6,801 players with $287,292, which represents a 32 per cent uptick year-on-year, averaging $42 per player. 

Matan Krakow, Head of Poker Offering at 888poker, explained: “At 888poker, we take the issue of game integrity very seriously. This year, as a result of our continued investments in technology, cooperation of our players, and hard work of our teams, we have increased the detection rate of bot accounts, RTA and collusion to give back almost $290,000 to players. 

“In the year ahead, we will continue to focus on this area to ensure that customers have a fair, safe, and entertaining experience when they play with 888poker.”