GGPoker Review: Is This Online Poker’s King of the Hill? (2024)

GGPoker has rapidly ascended to become one of the biggest names in online poker, boasting massive player traffic and innovative features. But is it all hype, or does GGPoker truly deliver a top-tier poker experience? As a professional player, I’ve spent considerable time grinding on the platform, and this review will provide an honest and comprehensive assessment to help you decide if GGPoker is the right fit for your game.

Player Traffic & Game Quality

GGPoker’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its massive player pool. Peaking at 80,000+ players, you’ll find action running around the clock, at virtually any stake level. This sheer volume translates to a relatively soft player pool, especially at the lower to mid-stakes. While you’ll certainly encounter skilled regulars, the abundance of recreational players, often drawn in by GGPoker’s marketing and celebrity endorsements, provides ample opportunity for profitable play.

The peak hours naturally align with European and Asian time zones, but even during off-peak times, you’ll find a healthy number of tables running. Cash game action is particularly strong in No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), with a wide range of stakes available, from micro-stakes to high-roller games. Short Deck Hold’em (6+ Hold’em) and other variants also have reasonable traffic, though NLH and PLO dominate.

The game quality varies depending on the stakes. Micro-stakes are generally the softest, while higher stakes require a more sophisticated approach. However, the overall player pool leans towards the recreational side, making GGPoker a potentially lucrative platform for skilled players who can adapt to different playing styles.

Software & Features

GGPoker’s software is arguably its strongest asset. The client is modern, visually appealing, and packed with innovative features designed to enhance the player experience. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for newcomers.

The mobile app is equally impressive, offering a seamless transition from desktop to mobile play. You can access virtually all the same games and features on the app, making it ideal for playing on the go.

While GGPoker officially discourages the use of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), some HUDs are permitted with limited functionality. The “Smart HUD” feature built into the client provides basic stats on your opponents, giving you some information without relying solely on external software. This approach aims to protect recreational players from being overly targeted by data-driven regulars.

GGPoker also boasts several unique features, including:

• Staking Platform: Allows players to buy and sell action in tournaments, providing opportunities for both investors and players seeking funding.
• All-In or Fold (AOF): A fast-paced, high-variance game where players can only go all-in or fold.
• Rush & Cash: GGPoker’s fast-fold poker variant, allowing you to instantly join a new table after folding.
• Final Table Betting: Allows you to bet on the outcome of final tables, adding another layer of excitement.
• SnapCam: Allows you to record and share short video clips of your hands with your opponents.

These features, combined with the sleek design and stable performance, make GGPoker’s software a clear standout in the online poker landscape.

Rake & Rakeback

GGPoker’s rake structure is fairly standard, generally around 5% with varying caps depending on the stakes and game type. However, the Fish Buffet rakeback program, offering up to 60% rakeback, is where GGPoker shines. While the exact percentage you receive depends on your luck and volume, the potential for high rakeback significantly offsets the rake, making GGPoker an attractive option for grinders.

The Fish Buffet system involves spinning a wheel after accumulating a certain number of Fish Buffet Points (FP). The rewards range from small cash prizes to significant rakeback percentages. While the randomness of the wheel can be frustrating at times, the overall value proposition is strong, especially for players who generate a significant amount of rake.

For casual players, the rakeback program might not be as impactful, but the potential for random rewards adds an element of excitement and can help offset some of the losses.

Overall, GGPoker’s rake and rakeback structure is competitive, particularly for high-volume players who can maximize the benefits of the Fish Buffet program.

Tournaments & Freerolls

GGPoker’s tournament schedule is extensive and varied, offering a wide range of buy-ins and formats to suit all preferences. The platform hosts numerous daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments with substantial guarantees. The Sunday schedule is particularly impressive, with flagship events offering massive prize pools.

GGPoker also runs several tournament series throughout the year, such as the WSOP Online and GG Millions, which attract thousands of players and offer life-changing payouts.

Spin & Gold is GGPoker’s version of Spin & Gos, offering a chance to win up to 12,000 times your buy-in. These hyper-turbo tournaments are a popular choice for players seeking quick and high-variance action.

While GGPoker doesn’t offer a huge number of traditional freerolls, they do have promotions that award tournament tickets and other prizes, providing opportunities for players to build their bankroll without risking any money.

The tournament offerings are excellent, catering to both recreational players and seasoned professionals with a wide range of buy-ins and guaranteed prize pools.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GGPoker offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers. In many regions, they also support cryptocurrency transactions, which is a major advantage for players who prefer using digital currencies.

Withdrawal speeds are generally reliable, although processing times can vary depending on the method used and the player’s verification status. E-wallet withdrawals are typically the fastest, while bank transfers may take longer.

GGPoker requires players to verify their identity before processing withdrawals, which is a standard security measure in the online gaming industry. The verification process is usually straightforward, but it’s important to provide accurate information to avoid delays.

Overall, GGPoker’s deposit and withdrawal options are convenient and reliable, with a strong emphasis on security and player protection.

Verdict: Should You Play Here?

GGPoker has earned its reputation as a top-tier online poker room. With its massive player traffic, innovative software, generous rakeback program, and extensive tournament schedule, it offers a compelling experience for players of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Huge player pool with soft competition at lower stakes.
• Modern and user-friendly software with innovative features.
• Generous Fish Buffet rakeback program (up to 60%).
• Extensive tournament schedule with large guarantees.
• Multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including cryptocurrency.

Cons:

• HUD support is limited.
• Rake can be high if you don’t generate enough volume to benefit from the Fish Buffet.
• The Fish Buffet rakeback system is based on luck to some extent.

Conclusion:

GGPoker is an excellent choice for both casual and serious poker players. The soft player pool and generous rakeback program make it a potentially profitable platform for skilled players, while the innovative features and exciting promotions provide a fun and engaging experience for recreational players. While the limited HUD support and the element of luck in the Fish Buffet program might be drawbacks for some, the overall benefits outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for a top-quality online poker experience, GGPoker is definitely worth checking out.