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Ocean Rewards: An Overview of GGPoker's New Loyalty Program
In 2026, GGPoker is launching a new loyalty program, Ocean Rewards. It will completely replace Fish Buffet and offer a different approach to rewarding players. The emphasis is on long-term levels, increased cashback up to 80%, and a more transparent progression system. Below, we'll discuss how Ocean Rewards works and how the transition from the old program will work.
What do we know about the new VIP program?
Ocean Rewards officially launches on January 30, 2026, and will become the primary rewards system for all GGPoker regulars.
The program is based on levels unlocked using Tide Points (TP), awarded for rake paid. The basic formula is 100 TP for every $1 of rake.
Key features of Ocean Rewards:
- Cashback up to 80%,
- Fixed levels for the entire calendar year,
- Simple progression scale without many sub-levels,
- Additional in-game currency, Gems, for getting rewards.
Unlike Fish Buffet, there's no need to rush or "chase" a level every month. The status you achieve is retained until the end of the year.
| Level | Tide Points Required | Rake | Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish | 0 | $0 | ~24% |
| Shrimp | 10 000 TP | ~$100 | ~32% |
| Crab | 50 000 TP | ~$500 | ~40% |
| Turtle | 200 000 TP | ~$2 000 | ~48% |
| Octopus | 750 000 TP | ~$7 500 | ~56% |
| Dolphin | 2 000 000 TP | ~$20 000 | ~64% |
| Whale | 5 000 000 TP | ~$50 000 | ~72% |
| Shark | 10 000 000 TP | ~$100 000 | ~80% |
Gems in Ocean Rewards
In addition to Tide Points, the program uses an additional internal currency — Gems. Unlike Points, which are used to advance through levels, Gems are used to earn additional rewards.
Currently, the following has been officially confirmed:
- Gems are awarded as part of Ocean Rewards alongside Tide Points.
- The number of Gems earned depends on a player's level and does not affect their level progression.
- Gems can be exchanged for rewards within the GGPoker client.
- The range and value of Gems rewards will be revealed closer to the program's launch.
It's important to understand: Gems are not direct cashback. They are an additional loyalty element that expands the rewards system and provides bonuses on top of the standard rakeback.
Ocean Rewards vs Fish Buffet
Ocean Rewards isn't a cosmetic update to Fish Buffet, but a complete shift in loyalty philosophy.
| Parameter | Fish Buffet | Ocean Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum cashback | up to 60% | up to 80% |
| Level validity | temporary | fixed for a year |
| Program currency | Fish Points | Tide Points + Gems |
| Risk of level downgrade | High | only once a year |
| Suitable for occasional play | low | much better |
The main difference is the abandonment of the monthly race for status and the transition to a stable annual system.
How will the transition from Fish Buffet to Ocean Rewards work?
The transition will be automatic; no action is required from players:
- Fish Buffet will be disabled on January 30, 2026, at 00:00 GMT.
- The current Fish Buffet level will be converted to an Ocean Rewards level, based on the status as of January 30, 2026, or the number of Fish Points earned from January 1 to January 30.
- All unused Fish Buffet rewards will be automatically credited to the player's balance.
- Fish Points accumulated from December 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026, will be converted to Tide Points.
- Players at the top Fish Buffet levels can upgrade directly to Whale or Shark if their play volume meets the Ocean Rewards requirements.
| Fish Buffet Level | Cashback | Ocean Rewards Level | Approximate Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Fish | ~15% | Fish | ~24% |
| Silver Fish | ~20% | Shrimp | ~32% |
| Gold Fish | ~25% | Crab | ~40% |
| Platinum Fish | ~30% | Turtle | ~48% |
| Diamond Fish | ~35% | Octopus | ~56% |
| Black Shark | ~60% | Dolphin | ~64% |
| Black Shark (Top level) | ~60% | Whale | ~72% |
| VIP / high-volume players | up to ~60% | Shark | ~80% |
PVI-rake and Ocean Rewards
GGPoker has not yet officially confirmed whether a Player Value Index (PVI) multiplier will be applied to Ocean Rewards. If the system is retained, it will operate as usual.
PVI (Player Value Index) influences the number of Tide Points awarded for rake paid. The official rate is 100 TP per $1 of rake, but the actual ratio may be lower.
The number of points awarded depends on:
- play volume and regularity,
- playing style,
- deposit and withdrawal history,
- overall player profile
Simply put, not everyone receives the theoretical 100 TP per $1 of rake. For some players, the rate may drop to 50 or even 30 TP.
Profitable regulars and active grinders typically earn fewer points than recreational players. However, anyone can reach high levels—it's just a matter of how much rake they need.
Ocean Rewards FAQ
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