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GGPoker vs PokerStars: Where to Roll? (2026 update)
The two online poker giants struggled for a long time for the "world's largest" title, but in 2026, there is a clear winner. Players, of course, benefit from this, getting more promotions, traffic, and games. In this article, we will compare both poker sites and conclude which is better for you.
GGPoker beats PokerStars. Why?
GGPoker rose to the top in just a few years after launching, surpassing PokerStars in player volume. Since 2021, it has consistently ranked as the world’s leading online poker room by cash game traffic. Why did this happen? Although PokerStars vs GGPoker is a complex matter, we can think of several reasons; let's start with the main ones:
Global availability and focus on crucial markets
GG Network focused on robust and unexplored markets like Asia and Eastern Europe by having several skins accepting online poker players from China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, etc. In other words, GG revived a global online poker market, similar to a pre-Black Friday situation.
Massive promotions
Who doesn't like rakeback? GGPoker has always offered profitable promotions for players: rake races, leaderboards, freerolls, and private deals. Although today direct rakeback is strictly forbidden, players still benefit from monthly promotions with millionaire prize pools.
Partnerships
GGPoker partnered with many big affiliates to promote its brand when they were young. Once they became famous, they recruited poker stars like Daniel Negreanu and offered online series under the WSOP brand.
One way or another, GG Network remains the world's largest network and indeed a top site to play online poker.
PokerStars vs GGPoker
Nevertheless, from a player's perspective, playing in a poker room with 8,000 or 10,000 cash games players or 100,000+ total connections makes almost no difference, so let's be honest and conclude the title "world's largest poker room" is mostly a promotional thing.
So, comparing PokerStars vs GGPoker, how can a player decide where to play? This article will compare the most important features so you can make an informed decision:
- Software: it's online poker; hence platform is crucial.
- Traffic: yes, thousands of players, but what is behind these numbers?
- Games: what formats are available?
- Softnessof the field: are there amateurs at the tables?
- Promotions: is there any rakeback?
- Rake: How much fees will you pay?
- Cashier: We're guessing you'd like to know how to get paid
GGPoker vs PokerStars rake
| Blinds | 6-max (GG) | 6-max (PS) | 9-max (GG) | 9-max (PS) | Fast Fold (GG) | Fast Fold (PS) | PLO (GG) | PLO (PS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | 5% ($0.20) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($0.30) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($0.20) | 3.5% ($0.30) | 5% ($0.06) | 3.3% ($0.30) |
| $0.02/$0.05 | 5% ($0.50) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($0.75) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($0.50) | 4.15% ($1.00) | 5% ($0.15) | 3.9% ($1.00) |
| $0.05/$0.10 | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($1.50) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($1.00) | 4.5% ($1.50) | 5% ($0.30) | 4.25% ($2.00) |
| $0.10/$0.25 | 5% ($2.00) | 4.5% ($2.00) | 5% ($2.50) | 4.5% ($2.00) | 5% ($2.00) | 4.5% ($2.00) | 5% ($0.75) | 4.25% ($2.00) |
| $0.25/$0.50 | 5% ($4.00) | 5% ($2.00) | 5% ($4.00) | 5% ($2.00) | 5% ($4.00) | 5% ($2.00) | 5% ($1.00) | 5% ($2.00) |
| $0.50/$1 | 5% ($5.00) | 5% ($2.50) | 5% ($5.00) | 5% ($2.50) | 5% ($5.00) | 5% ($2.50) | 5% ($2.00) | 5% ($2.50) |
| $1/$2 | 5% ($6.00) | 5% ($2.75) | 5% ($8.00) | 5% ($2.75) | 5% ($6.00) | 5% ($2.75) | 5% ($4.00) | 5% ($2.75) |
| $2.50/$5 | 5% ($8.00) | 5% ($3.00) | 5% ($10.00) | 5% ($3.00) | 5% ($8.00) | 5% ($3.00) | 5% ($7.50) | 5% ($3.00) |
| $3/$6 | 5% ($8.00) | 5% ($3.50) | 5% ($10.00) | 5% ($3.50) | 5% ($8.00) | — | 5% ($7.50) | 5% ($3.50) |
| $5/$10 | 5% ($10.00) | 4.5% ($3.00) | 5% ($10.00) | 4.5% ($3.00) | 5% ($10.00) | — | 5% ($15.00) | 4.5% ($3.00) |
Recall: anytime you've been offered a rakeback deal, you need to compare it to the rake structure of the room. If they charge an unfair fee, then a massive cashback won't sound that good. This is sort of the situation here.
GGPoker is the only mainstream site charging preflop rake in 3-bet pots. All-in-all, you will be paying more commissions to GGPoker than any other site due to this rule, no matter the structure.
- In cash games, PokerStars generally has lower rake across most formats. Its advantage over GGPoker is especially clear in Fast Poker, Omaha, and Hold’em starting around NL10$–NL25$. GGPoker outperforms PokerStars at regular 6+ player tables at the microstakes of NL2$–NL5$.
- Lottery SnG, GG Poker charges a 7% rake across all buy-ins, while Stars has a ladder model from 8% (lowest stakes) to 5%.
- MTTs, PokerStars charges from 12% to 5%, and GG from 9% to 5%.
Overall, GGPoker charges more rake than PokerStars, and if we compare the distribution model, the secret PVI leans the balance towards the Red Spade.
We would also like to highlight that there is no public information about the preflop rake on the GGPoker website (ok, there is, but buried in one of the many FAQ questions), so many players can be unaware of this unusual rule. Less 1 point for lack of transparency here.
Software
PokerStars has been developing its software for over 20 years, and it has done a great job. It remains a simple client, but it includes all functionalities needed by casual players and regs. On the other hand, GG Poker has included into its platform many features crafted for amateur players. However, such options overload the client and make it laggy.
We clicked both PokerStars and GGPoker icons at the same time on our MacBook Air M1 laptop. We managed to make the entire process (login and logout) in PS four times before the GG client showed up. There is absolutely no doubt here. PS client is much faster and stable. PS used 5,4% of our CPU in terms of performance while GG used up to 50%. Regarding RAM usage, GG took over 1GB and PS less than 300MB. Also, expect a loud song once it finally opens, so be aware if you want to play a night session.
However, in terms of uniqueness and innovation, GG is leading the way here; for example, the staking feature is crushing it. We consider PokerStars to have the best poker software nowadays. If GG Poker wants to compete with it, it needs to drastically improve its performance.
Third-party software
There is not much to say here. GG Network prohibits all third-party software. PokerStars allows using HUDs, trackers, and other tools for grinders. Point for Stars.
Mobile client
Both sites offer a great mobile app, although you must reach GGPoker support to install in iOS and also use an extra profile (sort of underground procedure), while the PokerStars mobile app can just be installed from official stores. Point for PS.
Overall you can access all games (cash, tournaments, spins, etc.) from a mobile device and process all kinds of transactions. We must highlight that GGPoker mobile app and its counterpart are just not "minimized" versions of the desktop client but were designed to fit small screens.
Traffic
As we said above, GGPoker overtook PokerStars in terms of cash game tables in 2021. However, from a players' perspective, this information is almost useless without proper analysis (you cannot play against all 100,000 users connected), so let's dissect this by studying the portfolio.
Game portfolio
PokerStars takes the lead here, as it offers more variants. However, GG Network seems to be innovating with new games, while PS sticks to traditional formats. If you are a Draw, Stud, or Mixed games fan, you should look no further. PokerStars is the only site offering decent traffic across these so-called traditional "exotic" formats. However, GGPoker also offers modern games like Flip & Go, All-in or Fold, or Mystery Battle.
Cash games
Besides traditional Texas Hold'em and Omaha cash games, PokerStars leads by offering much more:
- 7 Card Stud
- Razz
- 5 and 6 Card Omaha
- Omaha Hi/Lo
- 5 Card Draw
- 2-7 Single and Triple Draw
- Badugi
- 8-Game
- HORSE
GGPoker offers (exotic games):
- All-in or Fold
- Short Deck
- PLO5
- PLO6
- Fip & Go
- Mystery Battle
Overall, PokerStars has a more extensive portfolio. You can still find heads-up tables, which are now rare in online poker. That said, traffic in formats outside 6-max NLH has declined noticeably in recent years. Many classic PokerStars games no longer resonate with the new generation of players, making their continued presence in the lobby feel increasingly symbolic rather than practical.
GGPoker, by contrast, is betting on modern formats with unique mechanics and constant action. This approach attracts a younger audience and keeps engagement high, so its lobby doesn’t suffer from inactive game formats.
How about high rollers? GGPoker hosts nosebleed games up to NL $100,000 with grinders like Wiktor Malinowski or Linus Loeliger.
Fast-fold poker
Zoom and Rush & Cash are essentially identical fast-fold poker formats, with the differences limited mainly to branding. Both poker rooms offer the same stakes, ranging from NL2$ to NL500$. That said, GGPoker’s fast poker traffic is nearly twice as high. PokerStars does provide Zoom in heads-up and 9-max versions, but these tables have very limited action.
Tournaments
Probably tournament players will feel comfortable playing either at PokerStars or GGPoker. The rake is similar; both offer many structures, including progressive knockout PKO, high roller, regular series with millionaire prize pools, weekly main events, etc. Nevertheless, GGPoker went the extra mile by adding Super MILLION$ and tournaments focused on the Asian market (time and currency), attracting many casuals.
GGPoker doesn’t offer classic Sit&Go tournaments. A small point for Stars here. But the reality is that, these days, few players seem to miss them. Instead, the poker room leans into modern, fast-paced formats like AOF, Fip&Go, Mystery Battle.
We must highlight that tournaments have become a powerful tool in the competition. In recent years between ongoing promotions and tournament series, players have enjoyed massive prize pools. Compared to PokerStars, GGPoker has clearly focused on this area, as their portfolio has exponentially grown.
Spin & Go
It was PokerStars that originally popularised Spin & Go tournaments. Over the years, it has repeatedly refined the format, introducing 6-max games, expanding the multiplier range, and tying the tournament structure to the prize multiplier.
GGPoker adopted nearly all of these elements in Spin & Gold almost immediately and went a step further by adding an insurance feature, which PokerStars does not offer. Meanwhile, PS has Spin & Go with buy-ins up to $1,000 and Omaha versions. Overall, both online poker rooms are fairly evenly matched in this category.
Unique events
GGPoker focused on this area. Since 2020, the company has signed partnership agreements with the world's largest brands: World Series of Poker (WSOP), Triton Poker, Asia Poker League (APL), Asian Poker Tour (APT), etc.
However, we highlight that PokerStars has created its own brands recognized worldwide, like Sunday Million of the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP). We have to give GGPoker this one because only there will you win a WSOP golden bracelet.
Softness of the field
No recreational players, no soft games. Although many pros read our reviews to decide where to roll, we should not forget that fans are crucial for online poker. It's complex to evaluate the quality of the traffic of such massive rooms. But, we can take feedback from our online poker players database, countries welcome, and study terms and conditions in detail.
G G has loaded its platform (by paying the price as we said above) with features to attract amateurs: sending short videos at the tables, dancing emojis, reactions, and most importantly: banning all third-party software. Many regs just don't like this.
GGPoker also welcomes players from "fishy" countries like Israel, China, Malaysia, etc.
Overall, we feel that GGPoker features softer traffic.
Terms and conditions deserve an insightful analysis.
Poker ecology
GGPoker is definitely the winner here. Although PokerStars has been working towards protecting amateurs recently, from day one, GG introduced its "Security & Ecology Policy," a live document listing all predatory behaviors prohibited at the tables.
We highlight that although we don't agree with all GGPoker restrictions (like forbidding using printed GTO tables as this can lead to unjustified bans), at least such information is public, and anyone wanting to play just needs to double-check they don't fit in any predatory behavior.
Ambassadors
Probably a reg doesn't care that much about the ambassadors of a poker room. However, an amateur can register following his idol. GGPoker is doing the homework in this area as they currently have several teams with figures like Daniel Negreanu, Michael Mizrachi, Fedor Holz, Kevin Martin, Felipe Mojave, among others.
PokerStars also has a large team of professional players, such as André Akkari, Jason Koon, and Ben Spragg, well-known figures in the poker world. But we still give the point to GG.
Rakeback and bonuses
Those who recall the "golden era" of poker always say that VIP Rewards with Supernova Elite was a fantastic rewards program. Many years after changing "Porsches for chests," PS reconsidered its position and relaunched its rakeback program.
Let's start with welcome bonuses. Both sites offer almost the same package with two options, including a free ticket package or a matched bonus up to $600. However, GG gives more tickets (up to $100 vs. $30). PS requires a traditional bonus code vs. a dropdown menu; probably the second one is better.
But what really makes a difference is the monthly promotions package by GGPoker that gives millions of dollars in prizes across all games and stakes. Such promos include leaderboards, jackpots, rewards for getting bad beats or winning massive hands, etc.
Ocean Rewards vs StarsRewards
Between 2017 and 2021, the Stars Rewards program was based on random bonuses, which made the real rakeback hard to estimate. so GGPoker Fish Buffet was a clear winner here.
PokerStars has since moved to a more transparent model, offering a fixed rakeback rate ranging from 15% to 60%.
GGPoker’s Ocean Rewards offers cashback of up to 80%, but this headline figure is heavily influenced by the PVI coefficient. Rakeback is not flat, and for most regular players, the actual percentage is typically 2–3 times lower than the advertised.
Overall, we think the new Stars Rewards is better than Ocean Rewards, mainly because PS gives an accurate rakeback percentage with some random boosts, while GGPoker openly promotes massive percentages that cannot be contrasted.
Cashier
Usually, GGPoker and PokerStars take deposits via several payment options, including e-wallets and local methods available in your cashier according to your country.
- Credit cards
- Skrill
- ecoPayz
- Bitcoin*
- MuchBetter
- LuxonPay
- AstroPay
*The main difference between PokerStars and GGPoker is, of course, Bitcoin. The second has embraced cryptocurrencies, and because of this, GG wins here.
GGPoker agents process deposits and withdrawals with alternative payment methods in some countries. We recommend being extremely careful with such offers as those can lead to massive scams. We don't think having this feature is a good thing in the long term.
How about if you win a million dollars? In that case, you should reach customer service to find a payment solution for withdrawing your winnings. Bitcoin would be among our recommended options.
Customer service
Ideally, you should never need to contact customer service. However, when a problem arises, it's crucial that you reach the poker room as fast as possible.
You can reach PokerStars via a virtual assistant, email, contact support form, FAQ, and community forum. GGPoker beats PS in this area. Players can interact in a Discord community, contact an agent via live chat, and other traditional ways like email and forms.
Final thoughts
| Feature | PokerStars | GGPoker |
|---|---|---|
| Medium traffic (cash + tournaments) | 50,000 players | 200,000 players |
| Games | 6-. 9-max, NLH, PLO, PLO5, Zoom, MTT, SNG, Spin & Go | 6-. 9-max, NLH, PLO, PLO5, Rush&Cash, 6+, AoF, MTT, Spin & Gold |
| Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $600 | 100% up to $600 or $100 tickets |
| Rake | 5% (NL10K$ - 4,5%, Zoom and PLO up to $0.10/$0.25 - 3,5%-4,5%) | 5% |
| Rakeback | 15%-60% | 16%-80% |
| Regular promos | Early Bird Zoom (2x Points NL500$) | Monthly Giveaway $10M+ |
| Major Series | SCOOP, WCOOP | GGMillion$, WSOP Online |
| Fast Poker | Zoom (up to NL500$) | Rush&Cash (up to NL500$) |
| Spins | Spin&Go NLH, PLO | Spin&Gold 3-, 6-max |
| Live event satellites | RPT, BSOP | WSOP, Triton Poker |
| HUD support | Yes | No (PokerCraft only) |
| Interface | Classic | Modern, with a large number of animations and built-in options |
| Crypto cashier | No | Yes (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) |
It isn't easy to call for a winner in the GGPoker vs PokerStars fight as both are great options to play online poker. To make things easier for you, we have answered some questions, and if you fit in one of the categories below, you'll know where to go:
- Are you a fan of traditional Draw games? 👉 Head to PokerStars
- Lower cash-game rake is your priority, 👉 then PokerStars.
- Do you need to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin? 👉 GGPoker is the answer
- Do you like to compete for massive prizes in rake races? 👉 Go to GGPoker
- Is your PC 3 years old or more? 👉 Go to PokerStars
- Are you chasing a WSOP golden bracelet? 👉 Head to GGPoker
- Do you play SnG or HU?👉 PokerStars is the way
| Category | GGPoker | PokerStars |
|---|---|---|
| Software | 🥇 | |
| Traffic | 🤝 | 🤝 |
| Games | 🥇 | |
| Softness of the field | 🥇 | |
| Promotions | 🥇 | |
| Rake | 🥇 | |
| Cashier | 🥇 |
Or you can just read our PokerStars review and GGPoker review, reach our customer service, and ask for a round-table to find out what other rooms fit you better:
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