GGPoker vs 888poker: Which Is Better for Players?
6 minutes
Last Updated: May 13, 2024
Compared by sheer size, GGPoker and 888poker might as well be two completely different things, as the former eclipses the latter many times over.
However, size is far from only thing that matters when it comes to poker operators, and both GGPoker and 888poker offer many reasons for players to join and regularly play on the platforms.
If you are not sure how to decide between these two operators, and would like some more information, you have come to the right place.
We have compared GGPoker vs 888poker in all important aspects in order to try and discover which of these online poker sites is better for different types of poker players.
Keep on reading and find out what you can expect from both in terms of bonuses, games, platform, and more.
Poker Bonuses at GGPoker and 888poker
| GGPoker | 888poker | |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $600 | 100% up to $1,000 |
| Extra | $100 in Free Rewards | $8 No Deposit Bonus |
| Clearance Rate | 20% | 20% |
| Bonus Period | 90 Days | 90 Days |
Both GGPoker and 888poker award their new members with lucrative welcome bonus packages, which come with some differences.
At GGPoker, you get to pick between a 100% deposit bonus worth up to $600 and $100 in free rewards, which can be activated immediately without any wagering requirements.
Players looking for max value will opt for the deposit bonus, which is worth up to $600, but also requires a $600 deposit in order to clear in full.
Once you claim the bonus, you will have 90 days to clear it at a rate of 20% rakeback, with $5 in rake and tournament fees required for every $1 of bonus money you want to release.
On the other hand, opting for the $100 in free rewards will give you access to tournament tickets and cash worth $100, but will not require any playthrough requirement to be met.
At 888poker, you can enjoy plenty of bonuses as well, with the deposit bonus set at a massive $1,000, and clearing at the same 20% rakeback rate as the one at GGPoker.
All players can also claim a $8 no deposit bonus, which can be used to try out the platform and enjoy some real money poker without the need to make a deposit at all.
Verdict: 888poker offers a bigger bonus with the same wagering requirement, offering more bonus value to the grinders. Micro stakes players can get more value from GGPoker’s $100 in free rewards.
Player Reward Programs at GGPoker vs 888poker
Beyond sheer welcome bonuses, both GGPoker and 888poker offer other ways to get rewarded for your play on the platforms.
GGPoker’s Fish Buffet rewards scheme comes with up to 60% in weekly rakeback rewards, although most players can expect significantly less than that.
At lower tiers, the program offers randomized prizes within a certain range, with players getting up to 30% in rakeback on average, but with a lot of variance.
Higher stakes players can expect weekly rakeback rewards worth from 40 to 60% of all the rake they pay, making it a very significant return.
Over at 888poker, the rewards program is somewhat simpler and it comes with a flat-rake weekly return based on the rake you pay.
Weekly Rake Generated | Rakeback Percentage |
$200 - $499 | 10% |
$500 - $999 | 20% |
$1,000 - $2,999 | 30% |
$3,000 - $4,999 | 40% |
$5,000+ | 50% |
This makes the program quite attractive to cash game grinders who seek both soft games and high returns, as the top level of rakeback is reasonably reachable at mid-stakes.
Verdict: While GGPoker offers a higher maximum rakeback, 888poker’s reward program provides a higher rakeback rate for many players across low and mid-stakes games.
Game Selection: Does 888poker Have Anything on GGPoker?
When it comes to game selection, GGPoker stands head and shoulder above all other operators, currently having more traffic than any other site by quite a margin.
On the other hand, 888poker no longer holds one of the top positions in terms of traffic, meaning you will want to play there for reasons other than volume.
GGPoker has a daily tournament schedule that’s hardly rivaled by anyone, as well as more cash game traffic than most other sites combined.
Unique game formats like AIOF, Flip & Go, and Battle Royale make GGPoker a highly attractive place to play online poker, while 888poker hardly has such games to offer.
However, there are still plenty of reasons to play at 888poker as well, and game quality is certainly one of the top ones.
Compared to GGPoker, the 888poker player pool is made up of way fewer pros, making the games much softer and easier to beat.
If you are a serious poker player looking for a place where you can have a high win-rate, 888poker might be a better choice if you can find enough games to put in the volume you want to play.
| GGPoker | 888poker | |
| Cash Games | NLH $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10, PLO $0.01/$0.02 to $10/$20 | NLH $0.01/$0.02 to $10/$20, PLO $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10 |
| MTTs | Re-Entry, PKO, Mystery Bounty, PLO, Mixed Games, and More | Re-Entry, PKO, Mystery Bounty, PLO, and More |
| SNGs | Solid variety | N/A |
| Jackpot SNGs | Spin & Gold | Blast |
| Fast Fold Poker | Rush & Cash | Snap |
| Mixed Games | Only Omaha & 6+ Hold’em | PLO |
| Special Game Formats | All In or Fold, Battle Royale, Flip and Go | Beginner Games |
Verdict: GGPoker offers immensely higher volume, but games at 888poker tend to be much softer on average, making them attractive if you can find enough tables to play.
Software & Mobile Support: GGPoker vs 888poker
GGPoker currently operates one of the best online poker platforms around, both for desktop and mobile users.
The platform looks sleek, runs smoothly and quickly, and has more to offer in terms of unique features than nearly any other operator.
The tables and other parts of GGPoker are incredibly customizable, allowing you to create a poker experience you want to have and change it at any time.
On the other hand, the 888poker software is also top-notch, and includes the vast majority of popular gameplay and customization features you would expect to have these days.
The two platforms both run extremely well on all types of mobile devices, and show no signs of slowing down on even average PCs either, making them a good pick for either type of player.
Verdict: Both operators offer top-notch desktop and mobile platforms, although GGPoker’s is the absolute leader in the entire industry.
Final Verdict
GGPoker stands tall at the very top of the online poker world, with few other operators getting anywhere close in most areas. However, there are still reasons to consider playing at a site like 888poker.
- GGPoker is the world’s biggest online poker operator with infinite volume across the stakes and valuable bonuses and promotions, but also many professional poker players plying their trade on the platform.
- 888poker offers softer games, high rakeback rates for mid-stakes grinders, and an $8 no deposit bonus for all newcomers looking to try real money poker for the first time.
GGPoker beats 888poker in most areas, whether it is massive tournaments you are looking for, or cash game tables with plenty of players coming in and out at all hours of the day.
Yet, playing at 888poker will provide new players with a better experience, as they will face fewer regulars and softer games on average.
The massive welcome bonus and reasonably high rakeback rates that can be reached at lower and mid-stakes also make 888poker a place worth trying for many poker players.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to pick one of these operators, but setting up an account with both and trying the games yourself is the only way to know for sure which platform you prefer playing at in the long run.
