Our GGPoker review explains why this site is not for everyone. Players using third-party software or engaging in predatory behaviour to gain an unfair advantage over weaker players are not welcome. GGPoker enforces a number of strict polices to ensure players enjoy a safe, fun, and enjoyable online poker environment; so, if you can’t win at poker without playing unethically – stay away!
A Little Bit about GGPoker´s Rules
GGPoker is the flagship skin of the GGNetwork – “GG” standing for “Good Game”. The Network was originally launched throughout Asia in 2014; but, as players throughout the world heard about the Network´s “fair play model”, the Network extended into Europe and Canada. Unfortunately, players in the United States are currently not allowed to play at GGPoker.
Due to online poker regulations in various countries, not all skins on the Network operate under the same rules. For example, if after reading our GGPoker review, you register for an account and you live in the UK, you will be redirected to a UK-facing skin regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Because different rules apply to different countries, not every feature mentioned in our GGPoker review may be available in your jurisdiction.
While on the subject of rules, we recommend that, in addition to reading the Terms and Conditions when registering for an account, you also read the “House Rules” (sometimes called the “Network Rules” on some skins), and the “Security & Ecology Agreement”. These elaborate on what is considered unethical and predatory behaviour that will result in players getting banned. If the “Security & Ecology Agreement” is not accessible in your jurisdiction, request a copy from Customer Support.
7 Good Reasons to Play at GGPoker
If you are happy to abide by the rules, there are so many good reasons to play at GGPoker it is difficult to know where to start. The following is just a selection of what is currently available in the European market:
1. A 200% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.
When you make your first deposit, you will receive a GGPoker bonus equivalent to twice the deposited amount. The bonus is converted into cash in increments of $10 as you contribute to the rake deducted from cash games or pay a fee to enter a tournament, and you have a very generous ninety days to clear as much of the bonus as you can.
2. A “Honeymoon” promotion for new players.
During the first thirty days after funding your account, you will automatically be enrolled in the “Honeymoon” promotion. This consists of daily missions which, once completed, reward you with cash prizes, tournament entry tickets and tournament dollars. The missions are designed so you experience the full range of games and features at GGPoker.
3. Daily, weekly, and monthly promotions.
In addition to the new player “Honeymoon” promotion, you will also be invited to take part in cash races, missions, and challenges which reward you with all manner of goodies – without necessarily having to play in freeroll tournaments to claim your prize! Certainly be on the lookout for the Big Hand Jackpot promotion which will reward you for being dealt Four of a Kind or better.
4. Tournament Leaderboard Competitions.
Tournament leaderboard competitions run every month and during special events. There is over $100,000 in tournament dollars shared out every month among the top 100 tournament players, and the prizes are achievable if you only play in low stakes events. You can keep up-to-date with you progress every month in the comprehensive player admin section of the poker client.
5. One of the best rewards programs in the industry.
GGPoker´s rewards program is called “Fish Buffet”. It consists of twenty-five different levels and, when you clear each one, you get to spin a wheel with a cash prize of up to $1,000. The program is simple to understand and achievable for players with modest bankrolls, or for those who do not have so much time to spend at the tables. It certainly puts the rewards programs at some other site to shame!
6. Around the clock traffic at the tables.
In some GGPoker reviews, you will read that the volume of traffic puts it in the top five online poker sites. That doesn´t tell the whole story because of the GGNetwork´s global appeal. GGPoker doesn´t get the peaks and troughs in traffic associated with other European-centric poker sites – it´s just peaks. Therefore, you are guaranteed to get a game at any time of the day or night.
7. A fantastic range of games and features.
We conclude our GGPoker review by saying we could go on for pages about the fantastic range of games and features. GGPoker hosts cash games and tournaments in NL Hold´em and PL Omaha, and also has its own fast-fold poker variant and an “All-In or Fold” game. But when it comes to the features, there are dozens of them – from All-In Insurance to a “Pokercraft” feature that helps improve your game.
Getting Started at GGPoker
GGPoker offers three ways to access its platform. You can download the Windows and Mac-compatible GGPoker software (min. requirements Windows 7/Mac OS 10.9), play in Instant Play mode in your web browser (Google Chrome is recommended), or take advantage of user-friendly iOS and Android mobile apps to play on the go (Android users will have to enable the installation non-Play Store apps).
We recommend the GGPoker download because of its better functionality and because we found it harder to access all the features on the Instant Play and mobile versions of the software. Downloading the poker client is quick and easy. Visit the site from any of the links on this page and click “Download”. The site will identify which operating system you are using and download the appropriate software.
If you are using a Windows PC, click on the GGPoker download to start the installation process. If you are using a Mac PC, drag the GGPoker icon to your Applications Folder and click install. You will be asked to select a language for the installation, and then just click “Install”. The installation takes less than a minute, after which the poker client will appear on your screen.
Registering an Account with GGPoker
To register an account with GGPoker, click on the “Sign-Up” Button on the Home Screen.
GGPoker Sign Up
A new window will open in your web browser asking you to insert a username, your email address, password (twice), country of residence, mobile phone number (certain jurisdictions only), preferred currency, and an “Offline Tracking Code” (fill in GGPoker bonus code [bonuscode room=”ggpoker”][/bonuscode]).
The Offline Tracking Code ([bonuscode room=”ggpoker”][/bonuscode]) indicates the source the player has come from (in this case PokerNewsReport.com) and it´s worth completing this field so we get informed of all the upcoming events and promotions, so we are able to pass this information on to visitors to our site.
Where to Fill in the GGPoker Bonus Code (Offline Tracking Code)
The second registration page simply asks for your name, date of birth and address. Please enter these as they appear on any documents you will later need to verify your ID. Please also note it is strongly recommended you read the Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Notice if you have not done so already.
Once you have complete these fields and clicked the “Register” button, you will receive an email asking you to activate your account by clicking on a link, after which you will receive a second email from GGPoker, welcoming you to the site and inviting you to make your first deposit.
Deposits and Withdrawals at GGPoker
With the registration process complete, you can now login to your GGPoker account. When you log into your account for the first time, you will be asked to confirm your country of residence, enter a username, and select an avatar. You will also be asked to read the Security and Ecology Agreement mentioned earlier in our GGPoker review. Please read it, don´t just tick the box to say you have.
GGPoker doesn´t offer a play money option, so you will have to fund your account to play poker. To do this, click on the black “Cashier” chip at the right hand side of the screen to be taken to a secure web page where you will have the choice of making your first deposit via the options presented on screen (you have to click on the chevron at the right hand side of “Choose Payment Method” to see all options).
GGPoker Deposit Screen
Depending on your location, the deposit options can vary. On our UK-based account, we have the options of credit card, Skrill, Neteller, NeoSurf, PaySafeCard, EcoPayz, and Bank Transfer. Minimum and maximum deposit limits can vary according to the deposit method used, and although there were no fees associated with any of these deposit methods, charges may apply in some jurisdictions.
You can withdraw your funds only after you have completed GGPoker´s verification procedures (notice the “KYC” tab on the screenshot above). The verification procedures vary according to the withdrawal limits you have on your account – so, only basic verification is required (i.e. passport, proof of address, etc.) up to $10,000. For larger withdrawal amounts, you will have to submit notarized documents.
There are a few rules players should be aware of before requesting a withdrawal. First, before being eligible to request a withdrawal, you must have paid at least as much in rake as your first deposit. Second, if you request a withdrawal before clearing your bonus, the remaining bonus is forfeited. Third, withdrawals are capped at $20,000 per month. Any excess will be carried over into the following month.
It´s Time to Hit the Tables at GGPoker!
One of the most impressive features of GGPoker is its software. The poker client is easy to navigate, is packed full of features (which are easier to access from the GGPoker download), and the appearance can be customized as you prefer using the “Options” button. You can also toggle between “Group View” and “Table View” for the cash game tables.
GGPoker Games Lobby – Group View
GGPoker Games Lobby – Table View
The gameplay is exceptionally smooth, although the action can be a little slow at times – particularly when players are extensively using features such as Straddle, Run it Twice/Three Times, and Rabbit Hunt. However, it´s not often the action is slowed down by players who are multi-tabling. A Smart Focus feature on the mobile app automatically takes players to the tables where they are next due to act.
The tournament lobby is equally as easy to navigate. You can filter the tournaments by buy-in range, by game type, or by GGPoker exclusive events, and then sort the columns by start time, number of players registered or prize money. By clicking on a tournament, you are taken to the lobby for that specific event, where – in addition to the tournament info, you will also find a list of players you can stake.
GGPoker Review: Conclusion
Our GGPoker review barely does the site justice. We could go on for pages about the rich selection of features designed to provide players with a safe, fun, and enjoyable online poker environment, and the opportunities to enjoy a potentially lucrative online poker experience. We thoroughly recommend GGPoker for any player who wants to enjoy a few games of poker on a level playing field.