GGPoker Review: Is This Online Poker’s Top Dog? (2024)

GGPoker has quickly become a dominant force in online poker, boasting huge player numbers and innovative features. But is it all just marketing, or does GGPoker really offer a first-class poker experience? As a seasoned player, I’ve spent a lot of time playing on the platform, and this review will give you an honest and in-depth look to help you decide if GGPoker is right for your game.

Player Traffic & Game Quality

GGPoker’s main attraction is definitely its massive player base. With peaks of 80,000+ players, you’ll find games running 24/7, at pretty much any stake. This large volume translates to relatively soft games, especially at the lower to mid-stakes. While you’ll definitely come across skilled regulars, the abundance of casual players, often drawn in by GGPoker’s advertising and celebrity endorsements, provides plenty of opportunities for profitable play.

The peak hours naturally coincide with European and Asian time zones, but even during quieter times, you’ll find a good number of tables running. Cash Games are particularly popular 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 decent traffic, although NLH and PLO are the most popular.

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 base leans towards the recreational side, making GGPoker a potentially profitable platform for skilled players who can adapt to different playing styles.

Software & Features

GGPoker’s software is probably its biggest strength. The client is modern, visually appealing, and packed with innovative features designed to improve the player experience. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.

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

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 casual players from being overly targeted by data-driven regulars.

GGPoker also has several unique features, including:

• Staking Platform: Allows players to buy and sell shares 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 level 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 winner in the online poker world.

Rake & Rakeback

GGPoker’s rake structure is pretty standard, generally around 5% with varying caps depending on the stakes and game type. However, the Fish Buffet loyalty program, offering up to 60% rewards, is where GGPoker really stands out. While the exact percentage you receive depends on your luck and volume, the potential for high rewards 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 reward percentages. While the randomness of the wheel can be frustrating at times, the overall value is strong, especially for players who generate a significant amount of rake.

For casual players, the loyalty 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 rewards 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 loyalty 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 loyalty program (up to 60% rewards).
• 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 loyalty 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 loyalty 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.