Hello guys I'd like to bring you a discution about the potencial that the GGpoker has to become a great poker room, if they already arent.

I met the room because of the cardschat freeroll they have two per weak to all members. I won a freeroll there and saw that they have a $100 welcome program I just did not know that would be a crazy jornay. they really like this high rake games this all in fold is totally crazyness and the bonus is almost all about it. get luck and did lost my money there but was a tought beggining.

the problem is that this high variancy games makes poker looks more like gambling and not a mind game. If they have sit n go I would not be playing poker stars.

I would like to hear what our comunity think about GGpoker.

I like the client when i see people playing on Twitch. I wish US based players could play too.

I prefer PS because of minimalistic table design. GG is a good room, but there are to many colors. Its hard for me to use it

I have never played on GG Poker, because they dont operate, where I live (Sweden). But I think, its overall still not as professional and complete a site as PokerStars. As you say, there are no SnGs, and even if this game format is less popular, than it used to be, thats kind of a big omission.

I also think, the terms and conditions of GG Poker are kind of bullshit. They allow themselfes to kick out people basically at their own discretion, if for instance they deem them to do to much "bum hunting" in cash games. And in the past there have been stories about people getting kicked out or warned for having their tracker open while playing on GG, even though the HUD dont work there, which makes absolutely no sense either. They have also recently hired Dan Bilzerian as ambassador, which to me is not someone, a serious company should associate themselfes with.

So while GG Poker has been able to grow a lot, and it was a huge scoop for them to host the online WSOP in 2020 due to the pandemic, to me PokerStars is still the clear industry leader. I dont like everything, PokerStars have done over the years by increasing rake and cutting rewards, but they still have great software and great game selection. And if I was to choose any online poker site, where I had to have a large sum of money sitting, it would certainly be Stars.

Become new pokerstars eh? You are dreaming

There is something in it, but that there is no sit and go is disaster.
let’s say they can easily change that, I don’t know what’s holding them back.

I think the poker star is still very strong and should continue to lead the market for quite some time.

I agree with what you say. If you look at the active players, GGPoker is always ahead of PokerStars. And not only that, the great variety of games it offers is greater than that of other poker rooms.

i mean pokerstars is pretty bad these days so yes you are right, GG could become the new stars.

Originally Posted by ramdon p358

I agree with what you say. If you look at the active players, GGPoker is always ahead of PokerStars. And not only that, the great variety of games it offers is greater than that of other poker rooms.

yeah especially the sit and goes. so great.

In my opinion, this room has long been ahead of starzy! But I don't like it - too much extra for a regular game!

I believe so, the platform still needs more stability but the client is the best he has today, friendly, beautiful, with countless legal possibilities that I don't see on other sites.

I like GG Poker
good tournaments in holdem + Omaha
good cashgames
good rakeback
nice software with tons of gimicks
play now more at GG as on pokerstars

I like the client but they still have a lot to practice

Originally Posted by ramdon p358

I agree with what you say. If you look at the active players, GGPoker is always ahead of PokerStars. And not only that, the great variety of games it offers is greater than that of other poker rooms.

Yeah, I think people are in denial and simply make comments out of bias. As I write, there are 177,000 active players on GG and 86,000 on PokerStars. Yes, just a snapshot but you will find similar situations around the clock.

There is no denying the graphics in GG are the best in the game. That said the style is a little juvenile with all the 'You Suck!' type emojis, but what I appreciate is the effort they put in. They made amazing promotional moves with the guarantees on their weekend tournaments and then their link up to the WSOP showed real ambition.

I believe there is an argument to be made that GG is already bigger that PokerStars - it certainly feels more vital to the poker eco-system.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

I also think, the terms and conditions of GG Poker are kind of bullshit. They allow themselfes to kick out people basically at their own discretion, if for instance they deem them to do to much "bum hunting" in cash games. And in the past there have been stories about people getting kicked out or warned for having their tracker open while playing on GG, even though the HUD dont work there, which makes absolutely no sense either. They have also recently hired Dan Bilzerian as ambassador, which to me is not someone, a serious company should associate themselfes with.

You just remember me that you cant play with you HUD on the GGpoker what is a big problem to me and some regulars players.

I believe that they try to look more for fun by not letting any HUD works. ( they have they own HUD that is the VPIP if i am not wrong that is displayed in each players avatar. and a termomety that shows if you have been winning or lossing.)

Originally Posted by oakthyago

You just remember me that you cant play with you HUD on the GGpoker what is a big problem to me and some regulars players.

I believe that they try to look more for fun by not letting any HUD works. ( they have they own HUD that is the VPIP if i am not wrong that is displayed in each players avatar. and a termomety that shows if you have been winning or lossing.)

In a positive view I d like to stress that the withdraw for GGpoker is a light-yeahs ahead of pokerstars.

When I used to withdraw on PS I usually lost 15% because I had to sent the money to some dollar trader. now on GGpoker I am winning 10% and they withdraw directly to my acc.


in resume if they put the sit n go there and allow the HUD to work I would never come back to ps.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

I have never played on GG Poker, because they dont operate, where I live (Sweden). But I think, its overall still not as professional and complete a site as PokerStars. As you say, there are no SnGs, and even if this game format is less popular, than it used to be, thats kind of a big omission.

I also think, the terms and conditions of GG Poker are kind of bullshit. They allow themselfes to kick out people basically at their own discretion, if for instance they deem them to do to much "bum hunting" in cash games. And in the past there have been stories about people getting kicked out or warned for having their tracker open while playing on GG, even though the HUD dont work there, which makes absolutely no sense either. They have also recently hired Dan Bilzerian as ambassador, which to me is not someone, a serious company should associate themselfes with.

So while GG Poker has been able to grow a lot, and it was a huge scoop for them to host the online WSOP in 2020 due to the pandemic, to me PokerStars is still the clear industry leader. I dont like everything, PokerStars have done over the years by increasing rake and cutting rewards, but they still have great software and great game selection. And if I was to choose any online poker site, where I had to have a large sum of money sitting, it would certainly be Stars.

Your points are all valid but the thing is, the player pool at GGPoker is much different than say Pokerstars or Partypoker. There are many more 'gambly' type recreational players. And players from parts of the world that you just don't see (or rarely see) on other sites. Just take the Cardschat freeroll for example, soooo many countries represented that I have NEVER seen playing on Stars.

As far as keeping large sums of money, I think it is much safer than you might be alluding to. They have MTT's on there that are attracting MANY of today's online Highstakes players. The lobby always has $1k buyins, not to mention a $10k buyin tomorrow.

They are a strict site and won't put up with any b.s. Sometimes innocent people get caught up in this BUT they are also getting rid of a lot of the stuff that isn't allowed there. (ie. RTA).
And they don't allow HUDs which I think is good as it tends to attract more recreational type players which are essential to online poker sites.

It doesn't have the same variety of games... 'yet' but it seems to be getting better all the time.

Personally I'm looking to put more money onto GGPoker so I can begin playing an MTT schedule there instead of just cash games. (fwiw, cash games are often pretty wild. During a session last night, I managed to get 250bb's in pre 4-way into a 700bb pot with AA & was up vs. A4s & A7o, lol "weeeeeeeeeeeee" )

I don't really like the rooms on this network. But I think that the more rooms, the better for the players. The rooms compete with each other for players and that's a good thing.

Originally Posted by Poker Orifice

As far as keeping large sums of money, I think it is much safer than you might be alluding to.

Its not safe, as long as the TOS say, they are allowed to steal your money for whatever random bullshit reason, they like.

Originally Posted by Poker Orifice

They are a strict site and won't put up with any b.s. Sometimes innocent people get caught up in this BUT they are also getting rid of a lot of the stuff that isn't allowed there. (ie. RTA).

I seriously dought their security is any better than that of PokerStars.

Originally Posted by oakthyago

In a positive view I d like to stress that the withdraw for GGpoker is a light-yeahs ahead of pokerstars.

That might depend on, where you live. I have yet to withdraw from PokerStars living in Sweden, but when I lived in Denmark, it always took two banking days, and then the money was in my account. It can hardly get any more seemless than that.

Originally Posted by DS3

Yeah, I think people are in denial and simply make comments out of bias. As I write, there are 177,000 active players on GG and 86,000 on PokerStars. Yes, just a snapshot but you will find similar situations around the clock.

Have you considered the fact, that GG Poker might not log out inactive players, like PokerStars do? Cash game traffic is generally around twice as high on Stars, and this measure people, who actually play rather than just being logged on to the site.

Poker Sites - Best Real Money Poker Sites 2021 by Live Traffic (pokerscout.com)

Originally Posted by fundiver199

Have you considered the fact, that GG Poker might not log out inactive players, like PokerStars do? Cash game traffic is generally around twice as high on Stars, and this measure people, who actually play rather than just being logged on to the site.

https://www.pokerscout.com/

GG does log out inactive players. Having said that I find this number of theirs to be pretty fishy, I've never believed it.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

Have you considered the fact, that GG Poker might not log out inactive players, like PokerStars do? Cash game traffic is generally around twice as high on Stars, and this measure people, who actually play rather than just being logged on to the site.

https://www.pokerscout.com/

Come on...look at the figures they did with the WSOP. One could argue PokerStars could have done big figures...but they were not in the picture were they? Which is the point some of us are trying to make.

From my 'feeling' I did not rate GG at first, especially after Negreanu joined and started pretending he was part of the launch team as if they were not established for years already. But then ultimately I decided to judge for myself and found it refreshing. I think you egg up the 'problems'. Some players got banned in a rather clumsy manner but it appeared with reason. It's not happening every five minutes.

I do find GG a little cartoonish at times but then the overall graphics package is so superior to everyone else's that it does not bother me. Meanwhile on PokerStars they forced the Aurora graphics engine on everyone regardless of whether they degraded their clients graphics or not.

Just my perspective but I think many believed GG would not, could not succeed and they are now stuck in that mode. I think what GG showed is if you concentrate on Poker rather than fold under a sports betting umbrella - you can take on the supposed bigger boys.

Originally Posted by iwont20

GG does log out inactive players. Having said that I find this number of theirs to be pretty fishy, I've never believed it.

Ok but as you say, the numbers just dont add up, so then something else must be going on. Right now cash game traffic on PokerStars is 6.610, IDN Poker 3.037 and GG Poker 3.712. However players online are Pokerstars 55.540, IDN Poker 11.252 and GG Poker 165.764, so there is a huge discrepancy, especially between IDN Poker, which is another asian facing network, and GG Poker. Which games are all those people on GG Poker playing? Its not cash games obviously, and its not SnGs either, because GG Poker dont even have those.

Another way to get an idea about true volume would be to count the total daily guaranty in scheduled MTTs. I will not spend time doing this, but my hunch tells me, that PokerStars would also come out on top here. I am not buying the claim, that GG Poker is now the largest online poker site based on some "players in lobby" numbers, that nobody can give a logical explanation for.

Originally Posted by DS3

Come on...look at the figures they did with the WSOP. One could argue PokerStars could have done big figures...but they were not in the picture were they? Which is the point some of us are trying to make.

Yes it was a scoop for GG Poker to host the WSOP. But it was also a 1-off, since WSOP will obviously move back to being held live if not in 2021 then at least in 2022, when the pandemic is finally over.

Originally Posted by DS3

I think you egg up the 'problems'. Some players got banned in a rather clumsy manner but it appeared with reason. It's not happening every five minutes.

I am just trying to add a bit of balance to the debate really. I think, people are being overly critical of PokerStars, because they are dissapointed, the site is not like, it was 15 years ago. At the same time I think, people are turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of a site like GG Poker, just because they are still relatively new in the business.

To give another example GG Poker has recently launched a form of MTT, where the first phase in an all-in shoot-out, and only when that is finished and 8 out of 9 people eliminated, does normal play begin. If this had been done by PokerStars, then Youtube and poker forum would be filled will people complaining about, how they turned poker into just another casino game for gamblers. But when GG Poker does it, there is no such criticism at all, and CC even promote this new game.

Originally Posted by DS3

Meanwhile on PokerStars they forced the Aurora graphics engine on everyone regardless of whether they degraded their clients graphics or not.

For me the new software on PokerStars runs absolutely perfect. I think, the issue is with people using outdated hardware and not wanting to upgrade.

Originally Posted by DS3

Just my perspective but I think many believed GG would not, could not succeed and they are now stuck in that mode.

I absolutely think, GG Poker has succeeded. They are now in the top 3 of global poker sites, which is a huge achievement for a relative newcomer to the game. They have left older sites like PartyPoker or 888 Poker trailing way behind in the process, and they are the closest site to threaten PokerStars position as the industry leader.

I would certainly give GG Poker a try, if I was allowed to play there. But at the same time its not like, its really bugging me, that I cant. I dont think, I am missing out on anything that special to be honest. People talk about soft games, but there are lots of fish in micro and low stakes games on any site, at least if you game select a little bit.

Originally Posted by DS3

Yeah, I think people are in denial and simply make comments out of bias. As I write, there are 177,000 active players on GG and 86,000 on PokerStars. Yes, just a snapshot but you will find similar situations around the clock.

I find it odd that the 'numbers' are that high on GGPoker because when you look at the actual tournament lobbys, it is RARE for them to have an $11 buyin MTT with a guarantee exceeding $10k & ~$20k for $25 buyin. Stars has far bigger numbers in their MTT's. ... AND all of the SNG's they offer, GG has zero.

On Z00M vs. 'Rush & Cash', Pokerstars typically has ~50%+ more traffic across all limits.

There is no denying the graphics in GG are the best in the game.

I'd have to strongly disagree with the notion that GGPoker has the best graphics in the game. (when you're saying 'graphics' I'm assuming you're meaning 'software'??)

They are far behind many sites in that regard.
- there's no way to save table layouts on GGPoker. So if you're a player who plays a bunch of tournaments or tables at the same time, you'll need to open up one at a time, then re-size it and place it where you want it (& then need to do this again & again). On Stars I can have 6 on each screen if I want to play 12 MTT's or I can put 4 on my screen '2' when 4-tabling ZooM or 4 on each if playing something else, etc. etc. (or 6 on screen 2, 4 on screen 1 leaving some space for lobbys, etc.).. AND have this all saved in a number of different layouts. FAR BETTER!

The Hand History feature is lightyears better on Stars. GGPoker's is terrible.

The tournament lobby is much better at Stars as well as the lobby filters. ainec

The bet buttons are much better on Stars with the ability to set pre-set buttons in a far more efficient manner than GGPoker.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

For me the new software on PokerStars runs absolutely perfect. I think, the issue is with people using outdated hardware and not wanting to upgrade.

I agree with a lot of your post except this ^ comment here only applies to some of the players who have difficulty with the Aurora software. I have mine working in a way now where it is just fine... BUT that's only after the recent updates where they've made some improvements. Prior to this, it actually HURT my eyes (literally harmed them where I needed to turn off my screen because I was feeling pain in my eyes). There was one setting I could use that wasn't too bad and I could still play but it was far from enjoyable. (now it is fine).
My computer setup is ~7yrs. old and has zero problem running the Aurora stuff but the problem for me is >>> I don't like it!

Originally Posted by fundiver199

People talk about soft games, but there are lots of fish in micro and low stakes games on any site, at least if you game select a little bit.

I think you'd be surprised.

here's the numbers for the sites found on PokerScout

Originally Posted by fundiver199

Yes it was a scoop for GG Poker to host the WSOP. But it was also a 1-off, since WSOP will obviously move back to being held live if not in 2021 then at least in 2022, when the pandemic is finally over.

I am just trying to add a bit of balance to the debate really. I think, people are being overly critical of PokerStars, because they are dissapointed, the site is not like, it was 15 years ago. At the same time I think, people are turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of a site like GG Poker, just because they are still relatively new in the business.

To give another example GG Poker has recently launched a form of MTT, where the first phase in an all-in shoot-out, and only when that is finished and 8 out of 9 people eliminated, does normal play begin. If this had been done by PokerStars, then Youtube and poker forum would be filled will people complaining about, how they turned poker into just another casino game for gamblers. But when GG Poker does it, there is no such criticism at all, and CC even promote this new game.


For me the new software on PokerStars runs absolutely perfect. I think, the issue is with people using outdated hardware and not wanting to upgrade.

I absolutely think, GG Poker has succeeded. They are now in the top 3 of global poker sites, which is a huge achievement for a relative newcomer to the game. They have left older sites like PartyPoker or 888 Poker trailing way behind in the process, and they are the closest site to threaten PokerStars position as the industry leader.

I would certainly give GG Poker a try, if I was allowed to play there. But at the same time its not like, its really bugging me, that I cant. I dont think, I am missing out on anything that special to be honest. People talk about soft games, but there are lots of fish in micro and low stakes games on any site, at least if you game select a little bit.

Valid points as always fundiver199.

1- Yes the WSOP will revert back to the live format as it should, but it was a coup nonetheless. And apart from the early teething problems which they corrected immediately, they proved they can stay on top of the technical aspects which should inspire confidence for future mega online events.

2- I have to admit as a relative newbie I have no idea what PokerStars was like many years ago.

3- I agree there is a juvenile 'gambling' casual player aspect to some of their offerings.

4- At the time of the Aurora switch I happened to have two new laptops less than a year old. Aurora ruined the graphics on both - to sum it up it looks like I am playing through a dirty haze with graphics from a decade or two ago. Yet the graphics are vivid and bright on the thousands of websites I have visited elsewhere since the PokerStars upgrade. The only problem is with PokerStars.

5- Agreed - though I would argue PokerStars might have been dethroned already.

6- I happen to agree with you here also. I am not sure that I would be bothered if looking in from the outside. But, after CC linked up I joined (and one can argue that sign up was handled poorly on GG's behalf with essentially no demand to contribute to CC). I am not a fan of the overload of ambassador emojis that some players use compulsively (juvenile again) and the signing of Bilzerian was bizarre although that appears to have fizzled to nothing in short order.

However, the graphics are super vivid and the software employs many tricks which no one else bothered with. Praising the winner of each hand (now adopted by ACR). Turning the edge of your card to see the card value like a live deal. The ability to 'rabbit hunt' and see how the hand would have played even if you folded your hand.

However, the irritations are fairly small niggles and the site remains a vibrant place to play.

Sorry that you are not in the position to at least give it a go.

Originally Posted by Poker Orifice

I think you'd be surprised.

Maybe. But I have just become somewhat immune to talk about "incredibly soft sites". Its a story, we have heard many times before about numerous poker sites, and its mostly just advertisement in my opinion. A lot of people are affiliated with whatever site and basically get paid to spread that kind of stories.

For instance I moved to 888 Poker, because I had read in many places, that the cash games were incredibly soft. But it turned out, they were just the same as on PokerStars if not actually tougher. And it was way more difficult to get into games with much less tables running and way worse software. So it was basically just a hype.

There is also some degree of common sense and self regulation in this. If a game is very tough, then most regulars wont make profit, and when they figure this out, they will move on. Whereas if a game is very soft, it will attract more and more regulars, until its no longer soft. The point is, information travels, and in online poker people can move around relatively freely, so it will naturally tend to find some sort of equilibrium.

Originally Posted by Poker Orifice

I'd have to strongly disagree with the notion that GGPoker has the best graphics in the game. (when you're saying 'graphics' I'm assuming you're meaning 'software'??)

They are far behind many sites in that regard.
- there's no way to save table layouts on GGPoker. So if you're a player who plays a bunch of tournaments or tables at the same time, you'll need to open up one at a time, then re-size it and place it where you want it (& then need to do this again & again). On Stars I can have 6 on each screen if I want to play 12 MTT's or I can put 4 on my screen '2' when 4-tabling ZooM or 4 on each if playing something else, etc. etc. (or 6 on screen 2, 4 on screen 1 leaving some space for lobbys, etc.).. AND have this all saved in a number of different layouts. FAR BETTER!

The Hand History feature is lightyears better on Stars. GGPoker's is terrible.

The tournament lobby is much better at Stars as well as the lobby filters. ainec

The bet buttons are much better on Stars with the ability to set pre-set buttons in a far more efficient manner than GGPoker.

No I mean graphics actually, what is presented to you as a player to play on. GG bests everyone out there.

Now in terms of all the other aspects of the software you have mentioned I have no argument. For example, I do not multi-table at GG ever. I tend to do so across multiple sites - sometimes on a single site, never GG.

Have always said the PokerStars lobby is the best and this was unaffected by Aurora.

As regards anything else I am not bothered because I simple dip in and out of GG because of CC partnering with them - and it is a vibrant and fun graphics package you are greated with - so I slowly warm to them more and more.

Originally Posted by DS3

5- Agreed - though I would argue PokerStars might have been dethroned already.

Personally I dont understand, why people even care, who is the "industry leader". For us as players its great, that there is competition, and this is, what really matter. Personally I have spend most of my time on 888 Poker for the past year and a half, and thats certainly not because, I think, they are the "industry leader". But I like their MTTs, and as long as that remains the case, why not play them?

But returning to that somewhat irrelevant "competition", PokerStars are certainly not giving up without a fight. Last year they introduced two new major series in addition to those, they had already, and it was a success. I also dont think, anyone will argue, that Sunday Million is still the largest online MTT, which run weekly, and they have started to live stream day two of it every week, which in my opinion is a great initiative.

I will also argue, that Stars is still a great place to play cash games. They have lower rake than anyone else, and they have taken several initiatives to soften up the games, that have actually worked. There is now a 4 table cap for regular cash games, and the latest initiative is something, they call "dynamic waiting lists". Its somewhat complicated, but basically it means, that players need to sit down and play on a table with vacant seats, before they can go on waiting lists.

This limits bum hunting. And if GG Poker dont like bum hunting, why dont they do something similar, rather than threaten players to have their money stolen, if GG Poker think, they are bumhunting to much? There are also other simple technical solutions available like randomized seating, which for instance 888 Poker have done. It makes absolutely no sense, that a poker site has software, which allow people to table and seat select in cash games, and then write in their TOS, its not allowed to do it.

I know, I am repeating myself, but to me this is actually a big deal and a sign, that GG Poker has not yet grown up. I also have to ask, why they have not aquired a license here in Sweden, when smaller sites like 888 or PartyPoker have? Are there requirements, they are unable or unwilling to meet, or what exactly is the problem? To be considered an industry leader, for me a poker site must have a license in the majority of those countries, that have a regulated market. If that happen one day, I will look forward to give GG Poker a try

Well yesterday I just thought about testing GG Poker and have download the software.
I registered and tried to deposit in order to get the welcome bonus. But the software got stucked on the start of the KYC verification and It was impossible to do anything.
The verification process did not work at all.
I quit and I was like: OK we will see tomorrow.
But today the software took more than 2 minutes just to open up!
So I think they still are far away from the perfection.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

Personally I dont understand, why people even care, who is the "industry leader". For us as players its great, that there is competition, and this is, what really matter. Personally I have spend most of my time on 888 Poker for the past year and a half, and thats certainly not because, I think, they are the "industry leader". But I like their MTTs, and as long as that remains the case, why not play them?...

...If that happen one day, I will look forward to give GG Poker a try

Well the number one thing is little more than human nature- people like a winner.

Regarding PokerStars, I have been somewhat heartened to hear twice now that they are planning a move to up their game back in the live arena- to come back strongly with tours in both the EU and US once Covid 19 of out of the way. This is second hand information but comes from industry insiders on podcasts... I would love this as I was attracted to poker in the first place once I started following the EPT.

The bum hunting issue was handled really poorly yes, but then ACR had a mini-blow up recently when people realized you could be canned from the site for repeated delay of game and many freaked out concerning bubble play.

Yes, I'll concede it odd how they operate in one jurisdiction and not another -in fact their origin story remains hazy to me as it centered on Asia where online gambling is still often technically illegal.

However, the fact remains I basically think competition is healthy and keeps everyone on their toes.

Completely agree with all of the above. I think, streamed live poker events are extremely important for bringing new players into the game even online. If we look back, some of the great things, PokerStars have done, was to arrange shows like "Shark Cage" and "Big Game", which were very entertaining to watch and gave amateurs a chance to play against the pros and potentially win big money. I really think, poker needs something like that again. But of course they have no incentive to do something like this in the US, since they can only offer their services in a few states at the moment.

As for the ACR "blowup" I was one of the guys, who harped on about it. And I will continue to do so, whenever there is a reason to, because I think, a lot of people dont read the TOS, and to me those of both ACR and GG Poker are complete BS. Both sites are basically saying, that poker players are not allowed to try to win, and if they do it anyway, the site is entitled to steal their money. To me thats totally unacceptable, and sites like PokerStars and 888 Poker dont have something similar. For me its high time, that both GG Poker and ACR grow up as well.

Competition isn't an absolute. It's like a fight. If you bring a gun to a knife fight...well...yeah there's competition but not really.

GG poker seems to have the means, savvy and capital to challenge Pokerstars. Up until their arrival, we've only really had Party Poker with any heft. (I'm leaving Americas Card Room and the like out.)

GG have the marketing budget and have brought some decent innovations to the online game recently. Pokerstars, as always, remains the premier marketing site and tbf is always innovating. They're a good site. Full stop.

What matters to me as a recreational player is the online experience and customer service + sort of the rake back. PS is quite good on the online gaming experience and I like the huge variety of games. Long may it continue. However, there customer support has really went down hill since they've become a big corp - likewise the rake back. Rake back is just a joke for many, many players.

TLDR: The online poker market is now very mature. It's unexpected that such a large player like GG has emerged, but I really expect the old customer service, rake back and good bonuses never to return. Poker is now just another market and we players are the fish.

But as a rec player, it's ok. it is what it be. Corporatism won't improve the game or the experience - ever.

I created an account on GG last month and I was surprised about how much I liked to play there, somehow they really made the game more fun to play, the table design is beautiful and clean, you can see some info about players you can't on PokerStars like their winnings on the site with a graphic on the last 5mtts, the percentage of hands they've been playing on the tournament and other stuff

I can write a lot about the game design itself because I really enjoyed it

The main lobby design I think it's outdated though, unnecessary background music (when you're playing there's a dealer voice too which is so annoying, but you can disable everything), awful banners looking like you're entering a torrent download site and takes too long to load at least on my pc

As mentioned, there are not SNG but there is a lot of mtts like the bankroll builder which has no rake and you gain T$, all the mtts I've seen there has an estimated time for them to complete and there's a lot of turbos lasting from 1-2 hours with a field of somewhere around 100 players so it's kinda of a 180 sit and go and the Bankroll Builder with buy in $0.25 to $2 a lot of time I've seen a field around 20-50 players, so this can be an alternative

Overall I think rec players will find GG more fun to play

- They're mobile app is YEARS ahead of PokerStars
- No HUDs
- Emotes and fun stuff like a dramatic music when you go all in
- Addicted games like all in/fold and Flip and Go
- Good promotions and marketing on twitch with lots of streamers, also there's different skins like Natural8 that keeps growing in the asia market and other places like here in Brazil, I only know one active streamer that promotes PokerStars but there's at least other 4 streaming for N8 including Felipe Mojave who's playing on GG too

PokerStars still top of mind, but GG is not playing around

Originally Posted by oakthyago

Hello guys I'd like to bring you a discution about the potencial that the GGpoker has to become a great poker room, if they already arent.

I met the room because of the cardschat freeroll they have two per weak to all members. I won a freeroll there and saw that they have a $100 welcome program I just did not know that would be a crazy jornay. they really like this high rake games this all in fold is totally crazyness and the bonus is almost all about it. get luck and did lost my money there but was a tought beggining.

the problem is that this high variancy games makes poker looks more like gambling and not a mind game. If they have sit n go I would not be playing poker stars.

I would like to hear what our comunity think about GGpoker.

GGpoker great room, graphics are great. I play in this room and I really like it.

Originally Posted by italorohdrigues

you can see some info about players you can't on PokerStars like their winnings on the site with a graphic on the last 5mtts, the percentage of hands they've been playing on the tournament and other stuff

Its essentially a build in HUD, and to me its a little strange to list that as an advantage of playing on GG Poker, and then also list "no HUDs" as another advantage. One can argue, that a built in HUD is better, because it does not need to be installed and set up, and that this is easier for recreational players.

But its still a way for other players to pick up information about you without paying attention to the action. VPIP is by far the most important number on any HUD, and maybe I dont actually want people to know, how much money I have won or lost on the site. Even the third party trackers dont give that information away.

So if someone really feel, that online poker should mimic live poker as much as possible, then I would not recommend them to play on GG Poker. There are other sites like PartyPoker, which are completely HUD free. For me personally the build in HUD would not be a reason to play on GG Poker, but it would also not be a reason to not play there.

Originally Posted by teutonic1

TLDR: The online poker market is now very mature. It's unexpected that such a large player like GG has emerged

Basically they have emerged because of the booming Asian market along with something called the IDN network. Its not all that different from the fact, that some chinese car brands, that are still totally unknown in Europe or North America, are now among the largest in the world.

They have some strange policies. No one will be, what pokerstars was back in a day.

Originally Posted by fundiver199

Basically they have emerged because of the booming Asian market along with something called the IDN network. Its not all that different from the fact, that some chinese car brands, that are still totally unknown in Europe or North America, are now among the largest in the world.

Very good point. Can't be denied and I suspect we'll be seeing more internet sites emerging from the East, and not just China and/or Taiwan.

However, given that the American-Anglos have dominated and almost monopolised online poker content for decades, the emergence of GG is not insignificant. They had to have the resources and savvy to negotiate the smorgasbord of individual European country regulatory agencies, and to do so they needed plenty of capital in order to buy the legal experience necessary to conform to each country's requirements. People tend to vastly underestimate the legal requirements, and the time it takes to get these things done.

I’ve caught these GGPoker flashes here and there. But there’s been so many sites over the years that a simply a flash in the pan. So I couldn’t be bothered to look further into it.
Not a millennial jumping onto the latest everything scared something will pass them buy.
Yet thus far I’ve gathered it may be worth looking into, but one needs to be prepared for immaturity due to the mindsets of the designers. Clearly from the “everyone is special and it’s all okay” generation.
The positive points that are drawn to mind is the apparent volume of people and a supposed ease of deposit and withdrawal.
Have any mature Canadian players opened an account with GGPoker and have you encountered any issues ?

The site always having issues or being down is getting big time old !

Most of the time i like GG...

Today i hatte it, cause my Client can‘t connect and won‘t work.

I do like GGPoker but agree with others here that the lack of sit & go's is a big drawback.

Well maybe if they stop getting country restrictions few countrys now that arent able to play at ggpoker cause they dont have the license anymore!

kind hard to become the best poker room if you have a lot of countries left out

I play at ggpoker and I especially love shortdecks tables