Jump to:
GGPoker Review (Canada & Ontario)
Overview
GGPoker is one of the world’s largest poker platforms and has gained immense popularity among Canadian players. Founded in 2014 and initially Asia-focused, GGPoker has expanded globally with strong ambassadors like Daniel Negreanu. It operates a dedicated Ontario site (WSOP.ca powered by GGPoker) licensed by iGaming Ontario (AGCO).
GGPoker’s global platform is licensed by the UKGC and Isle of Man GSC, ensuring a reputable and secure environment. Its unique selling points include cutting-edge software features (SnapCam video chat, integrated staking, Smart HUD) and a partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for exclusive events. Players can sign up and use GGPoker promo code NEWBONUS for a welcome bonus of $600.
Game Selection
GGPoker offers an extensive range of poker variants. Canadian players can enjoy No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (4-card and 5-card PLO), including popular formats like Short Deck Hold’em (6+), All-In or Fold (AoF), and fast-fold Rush & Cash tables. Mixed games (like Razz or Stud) are not currently available in Ontario. Cash games run from micro-stakes (NL2/PLO2) up to high stakes (NL5000/PLO2000).
GGPoker hosts daily and weekly events with large guarantees, bounty tournaments (Bounty Hunters), turbos, and its signature WSOP bracelet events thanks to the WSOP partnership. Spin & Gold (3-player jackpot Sit & Gos) come in buy-ins from $1 to $50, with jackpots up to $1 million. Sit & Gos and private Home Games are also offered. Overall, GGPoker’s game selection is comprehensive, catering to casual players and high rollers alike.
Tournaments & Promotions
GGPoker is renowned for massive tournaments and innovative promotions. It frequently offers WSOP Circuit and Bracelet events online, giving Canadians a shot at prestigious titles. Regular series like the GGMasters and Omaholic events boast big prize pools. Canadian players (outside Ontario) participate in a global pool, while Ontario players join a fenced player pool per regulations.
Promotions include a generous Welcome Bonus (usually a match bonus or free tickets), the Honeymoon for Newcomers challenge with up to $350 in rewards, and the Fish Buffet loyalty program offering up to 70% cashback.
Other promos are Bad Beat Jackpots, AoF jackpots for hitting straight flushes, daily leaderboards (Hold’em, Omaha, AoF, Spin & Gold) with thousands in prizes, and frequent freerolls. Ontario’s “Maple Rewards” promos add extra value for provincial players. Overall, tournament schedules are packed and promotions are a strong suit for GGPoker.
Software & User Experience
GGPoker’s software is state-of-the-art and feature-rich. The platform is visually modern, stable, and runs smoothly on Windows and Mac. The Smart HUD and PokerCraft tools provide personal stats and hand histories for strategy review.
Fun features like SnapCam (sending short video reactions), emoji chat, Splash animations (throw virtual objects after bad beats), and voice chat make the online experience more engaging. Multi-tabling up to 20 tables is supported on PC.
Mobile apps for iOS and Android are well-optimized, offering the full suite of games and cashier functions. Whether playing on a computer or relaxing on a phone, the user experience is top-tier – even new players find navigation easy and intuitive. The only minor downside: the rich graphics and effects mean the PC client benefits from a decent system to avoid any lag.
Payment Methods
Canadian players can deposit and withdraw in CAD using a wide range of options. GGPoker supports Interac e-Transfers (via Gigadat), Visa/MasterCard, bank transfers, e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, PayPal, and prepaid cards like Paysafecard. It also increasingly supports cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin or USDT) on the global platform.
All transactions are secure and processed fairly quickly. Withdrawals incur a modest CAD $1 fee and typically process within 24-72 hours. The cashier is robust and tailored for Canadian banking, making it convenient to move money in and out. KYC verification is required (photo ID, selfie, proof of address) to comply with security and AML regulations.
Legality & Security
GGPoker is fully licensed and legal for Canadian players outside Ontario via its international site, and for Ontario players via the regulated WSOP.ca / GGPoker.ca site. It holds an Ontario iGaming license (through NSUS Limited), adhering to strict provincial standards. Globally, it’s licensed by reputable bodies (UK, Isle of Man, Malta), adding layers of trust.
All games use a certified Random Number Generator tested by independent labs (bmm Testlabs, iTech Labs) ensuring fair play. Security is top-notch: player funds are kept safe, personal data is protected, and the software is constantly audited. Note: Within Canada, only Ontario has segregated pools – players in other provinces can legally play on GGPoker’s global site as online poker is generally unregulated federally, but be mindful of any future provincial regulations.
Rake & Fees
GGPoker’s rake structure is competitive with industry standards. Cash games rake 5% of the pot (typical for online poker) with caps that scale by stake level. For example, low stakes might cap at $1 or $2, higher stakes at $4-$5, ensuring rake doesn’t eat large pots. Rush & Cash fast-fold tables follow the same 5% but charge no rake for underfilled tables.
Tournaments carry ~10% fees (the “buy-in + fee” structure), which is standard. Spin & Gold jackpot SNGs have a 7% fee. Importantly, GGPoker employs a PVI (Player Value Index) system that can subtly adjust how contributed rake translates to rewards – casual players may effectively get more cashback than long-term winners due to this hidden model.
There are no extra fees to play beyond the rake; however, the CAD $1 withdrawal fee is worth noting. Overall, GGPoker’s rake is considered fair and in line with peers, and high-volume players can offset costs through the robust Fish Buffet rakeback program (up to 60-70% for top tiers).
Player Traffic & Competition
GGPoker boasts very high traffic, second only to PokerStars globally. At peak hours tens of thousands of players are online, ensuring games run around the clock from micro to nosebleed stakes. The Ontario site – while a ring-fenced environment – also has healthy traffic in all formats, thanks to GGPoker’s popularity.
The player pool is diverse: many recreational players are attracted by splashy features and promotions, creating softer games especially at low and mid stakes. However, GGPoker also has its share of regulars and pros (including WSOP bracelet winners), particularly in high-stakes games and major tournaments.
Peak hours in Canada are typically evenings and weekends, aligning with North American and European playtimes (thanks to international liquidity outside Ontario). Canadians will find no shortage of action in cash games or tournaments. Skill level varies – low stakes are generally soft, while high stakes and marquee tournament final tables can be tough. GGPoker’s policy of banning HUDs and seating scripts helps level the field, making the competition more about raw play than software aids.
Customer Support
GGPoker offers multiple support channels, though it has room for improvement in responsiveness. Players can access an online Help Center FAQ and submit tickets via email ([email protected]). The site does not have 24/7 live chat globally, except in certain jurisdictions (the Ontario site does offer live chat on the .ca domain).
Support response times via email are generally within 24 hours, but during peak periods or major series, delays can happen. Overall, support quality is helpful once engaged – assisting with account issues, payments, or technical queries – but some users have reported slow or “absent” customer support experiences.
GGPoker’s growing customer base means they continue to scale support. They also have a presence on social media and community forums (and an active Discord), which can sometimes get you quicker help from reps. For Ontario players, support is held to AGCO standards, which adds assurance.
Pros and Cons of GGPoker
Enormous game variety and high traffic
Great promotions
Best-in-class software and fun features
Canadian-friendly payment options
Fully licensed and secure
Smaller pool
No global live chat support
Minor withdrawal fee
User Feedback (Canada)
Canadian players generally praise GGPoker for its modern interface and massive tournaments. Many enjoy the recreational-friendly touches and say it’s “a fantastic online poker room…quickly becoming a favorite amongst Canadian players."
Positive feedback highlights reliable software with minimal downtime and the excitement of WSOP qualifiers. Common complaints include occasional disconnects in big tournaments (though GGPoker often compensates affected players), and the lack of immediate live support if something goes wrong.
Some highly experienced players critique the rake/PVI system or game toughness at higher levels, but for most Canadian grinders, the consensus is GGPoker provides tremendous value.
Ontario users specifically appreciate that a legitimate, licensed site is available with great promos, even if the player pool is smaller. Overall, the feedback skews very positive on game quality and promotions, with support and policy transparency being the main areas for improvement.
Final Verdict
GGPoker is a top-tier choice for Canadian poker players. We rate it 9.5/10. Its combination of huge traffic, innovative features, and lucrative tournaments makes it arguably the best platform in Canada, especially for multi-table tournament fans and those seeking WSOP glory.
For Ontarians, GGPoker.ca is the premier regulated option, though it competes with PokerStars for that title. Our recommendation: If you want the busiest tables and best promotions, GGPoker is a must-try.
Ensure you sign up on the correct site (WSOP.ca for Ontario or GGPoker.com for other provinces) to play legally. Aside from some support hiccups and a learning curve with all the features, GGPoker delivers an outstanding poker experience for Canadians.
