Itai Pazner, chief operations officer at online gambling group 888 has launched a new GBP 8.8 million jackpot game - an internet gambling record - with a free GBP 24 chance of winning it for online casinos players.

Pazner is confident the game, dubbed Pirate Millions, will help introduce the company to a slew of new players, and claims: “This is the biggest ever online slots jackpot and everyone who visits the site will be allowed three free spins the first time they play the game, without having to deposit any money or enter card details.

“This will offer the unique opportunity for someone to become a millionaire without paying a penny, and we believe it will really appeal to everyone from on-line casino regulars to those who play the lottery or buy the odd Scratchcard.”

The marketing drive is supported in the UK by a television commercial showing a diver surrounded by a sea of money.