GGPoker is shaking things up! Say goodbye to Fish Buffet and get ready for the new Ocean Rewards loyalty system. Want to know all the details about it? Dive into TBP’s latest article for everything you need to know about this update.

Update notice
This analysis is based on GG Poker’s official announcement and currently available information prior to the full rollout of Ocean Rewards.. Some elements (notably GEM mechanics and PVI behavior) have not yet been fully disclosed. We will update this article once real-world data becomes available after launch.

GGPoker Unveils Ocean Rewards: A Major Loyalty Program Upgrade for 2026

GGPoker has officially announced Ocean Rewards, a brand-new loyalty program designed to replace the long-standing Fish Buffet system. This marks GGPoker’s first major rewards overhaul in nearly six years, making it a significant development for online poker players worldwide. The new loyalty system is scheduled to go live on January 30, 2026.

The Ocean Rewards loyalty system is based on eight different tiers that players can unlock through gameplay. The different tiers, from Level 1 (Fish) to Level 8 (Shark) and their corresponding duties and benefits are shown in TABLE 1.

** It is worth noting that when the Ocean rewards structure was first announced, the rakeback figures were higher: 56% for Octopus, 64% for Dolphin, and 72% for Whale. We are unsure why GG changed these figures, but the table below reflects the currently advertised offer as of 19.01.2026.

Early feedback from the online poker community has been largely positive. Many players and affiliates believe the introduction of Ocean Rewards could lead to better value, improved cashback, and a more player-friendly rewards structure.

Given these features, Ocean Rewards has the potential to become the industry-leading poker loyalty program. But do these promises truly hold up under scrutiny, or is there a hidden catch beneath the surface? Let’s break down what Ocean Rewards offers and see whether it genuinely benefits poker players.

What is the Ocean Rewards Promise?

Ocean Rewards is positioned as the next evolution of the Fish Buffet loyalty system. GG Poker has highlighted three key features that form the foundation of the new loyalty program:

1. Increased Cashback
2. Transparent Progression System
3. Long-Term Tier Protection

1. Increased Cashback

For many online poker players, cashback is the most important factor when choosing a platform. Ocean Rewards promises higher cashback across the board, with top players in the highest tier able to achieve up to 80%, while players in the lowest tier still receive 16% (see TABLE1). Both figures represent an increase compared to the previous Fish Buffet loyalty system. In addition, players are eligible for extra rewards outside the tier system through GEMs, which could further increase their effective cashback.

2. Transparent Progression System

The new loyalty system rewards players with cashback and exclusive rewards through the collection of Tide Points (TP) and GEMs. GGPoker claims a transparent and fixed earning rate for Tide Points: for every $1 in rake generated, players receive 100 Tide Points. Alongside Tide Points, players also earn GEMS to receive rewards. While the exact mechanics behind GEMs have not yet been fully revealed, GGPoker emphasizes one clear principle: the more you play, the more you earn. As players progress, GEMs help unlock increasingly valuable rewards at every tier, making continurd play even more rewarding.

3. Long-Term Tier Protection

One of the standout features of Ocean Rewards is its long-term tier protection. Under the new loyalty system, players won’t lose their hard-earned tier status during periods of inactivity. Once a tier is reached, it remains active for a full 12 months. This represents a major upgrade from the Fish Buffet system, where tier status was lost much more quickly.

With these three key features, Ocean Rewards appears to offer greater value to players compared to Fish Buffet. The possibility of achieving up to 80% cashback at the highest tier would also position Ocean Rewards as the leading cashback system in the online poker industry.

Is there a Catch? What Players Should Watch Out For

The Ocean Rewards loyalty system is certainly enticing, particularly with its three key features. However, every player should keep an eye on the following three things:

1. Function of GEMs
2. Player Value Index (PVI)
3. Volume requirements

1. Function of GEMs

The exact mechanics of the GEMs system remain unclear, making it difficult to predict how they will affect overall cashback. Players will need to wait for further details from GGPoker or observe how the system functions once it is fully launched.

It does, however, appear that the more you accrue and save your GEMS, the better the exchange rate you can obtain, thereby increasing rakeback. However, this would require players to maintain a larger bankroll in order to stay afloat until the GEMS can be cashed in.

2. Player Value Index (PVI)

Additionally, GGPoker has not disclosed whether the Player Value Index (PVI) will be eliminated, remain unchanged from Fish Buffet, or be replaced by an entirely new mechanism.

For now, let’s take a simplified look at how Ocean Rewards might work, assuming the PVI remains similar to the one used in Fish Buffet.

The PVI is an internal multiplier used by GGPoker to adjust the number of loyalty points a player earns based on the rake they generate. The exact formula is proprietary, and has not been publicly disclosed. However, from the previous Fish Buffet system, we know that a player’s rake was multiplied by their personal PVI, which was believed to range between 0.1 and 1. The resulting number then determined how many reward points a player would receive.

This could have a major impact on the Ocean Rewards system. For example, a player with a PVI of 0.1 would need to generate $10 in rake to earn 100 Tide Points, rather than the advertised $1.

3. Volume Requirements

In addition to the PVI, the volume requirements for the different tiers may prove challenging. To reach the top tier, “Shark,” a player would need to commit to a significant amount of grinding. Assuming the exchange rate of $1 = 100 Tide Points, this would require generating $100,000 in rake (see TABLE1)—a considerable feat. With the PVI in play this number might even go higher.

As outlined above, these three factors could have a significant impact on the overall value of the Ocean Rewards loyalty system. Players should take them into account carefully and monitor how the system evolves after launch.

The Final Word

As we await the rollout of the Ocean Rewards program, this brief essay has aimed to give you a preview of what to expect. While Ocean Rewards has the potential to set a new standard in the loyalty space, there are a few pitfalls worth noting. If the promised features are fully realized, this system could be a game-changer. However, it’s important to stay mindful of the changes ahead.

All points presented in this article are summarized in TABLE 2.