888Poker appears to be capitalising on troubles at PokerStars over changes aimed at encouraging a more recreational style of player.
Over 2,500 professional and high stakes players started a three-day boycott of PokerStars this week in protest at the changes to the poker giant’s VIP program, with quieter cash game activity an almost immediate result.
888Poker marketers have reportedly been quick to seize the opportunity to attract the disgruntled players to their site.
The company has halved the rake on certain cash games and increased prize pool guarantees on a number of daily tournaments. Rake on PL Omaha games has been reduced from 5 percent to 2.5 percent (200PL and up), and two new tournaments have been launched targeted on mid-stakes MTT players, along with higher guarantees on some of the 888 regular tournaments.
The new tournaments comprise a $5,000 guaranteed 8-Max NL Hold´em tournament with a $55 buy-in, and a $5,000 guaranteed turbo event with a $30 buy-in.
888Poker has also announced $108,000 in increased tournament guarantees over the three days during which the PokerStars boycott is scheduled to run.
Whether the short term 888 initiative is enough to retain the PokerStars protesters in the longer term remains to be seen; experienced players have observed that there is little to choose between the VIP programs offered by both companies, although some opine that 888 offers greater benefits at the top end of its scheme.