Global online poker giant GGPoker has rolled out an aggressive new promotion for UK online poker players, offering instant rakeback of up to 50% from day one.
Available for a limited period until April 30, new sign-ups on GGPoker UK will receive the standard 100% matched deposit bonus of up to $600. On top of that, players will see a big boost to their VIP status as part of the operator’s new Ocean Rewards program.
The Ocean Rewards system features eight VIP tiers. It begins with Fish, where players earn around 16% rakeback, followed by Shrimp (~25%), Crab (~30%), Turtle (~40%), Octopus (~50%), Dolphin (~60%), Whale (~70%), and Shark (~80%).
Under this promotion, players who join before April 30 are automatically placed into the Octopus tier, bypassing the first four levels entirely. That means they can start earning roughly 50% rakeback immediately, instead of around 16% rakeback.
There’s no opt-in required; players simply begin at the Octopus level.
How it works:
- Join GGPoker and download the client
- Select the matched bonus on first deposit
- Start earning at a higher tier right away
- New Players choose 100% matched deposit bonus up to $600
- Skip straight to Octopus status in Ocean Rewards
- Earn up to 50% rakeback immediately
Fast-Track to 50%
It’s a notably aggressive push aimed at attracting players to the platform. What makes the offer stand out is how difficult it normally is to reach the Octopus tier, typically requiring around $7,500 in rake, which translates into significant volume and consistent grinding.
Players who sign up during the promotional window skip that process entirely and begin at Octopus. Even more appealing, the tier is retained for a full year, allowing players to earn approximately 50% rakeback over an extended period.
Alongside the rakeback boost, players can also take advantage of the deposit bonus. The operator matches deposits 100% up to $600. For example, a $600 deposit is matched instantly, with the bonus released gradually through play.
The release rate is $1 for every $5 paid in net rake or tournament fees. Players can also make additional deposits and unlock the full bonus within 60 days of their first deposit.
Offers of this scale are relatively rare in online poker. The welcome bonus alone carries value, but it’s further supported by daily rewards, access to GGPoker’s monthly giveaway campaigns, which regularly total at least $14 to $15 million, frequent tournament series, opportunities to win WSOP bracelets and rings, and the $100K weekly freeroll.
Still, the direct jump to Octopus tier and the immediate 50% rakeback is the standout feature of the promotion.
Luring Rival Players
The timing is also worth noting. It comes shortly after the UK Government increased the remote gambling duty from 21% to 40%, effective April 1, 2026, raising costs for operators in the UK market.
Some operators have already begun adjusting. PokerStars, for instance, has planned to reduce rewards for UK players starting April 16, with others expected to follow.
GGPoker, however, is taking a different approach. Rather than scaling back, it is using an aggressive rewards structure to attract players, particularly those considering a switch from competing platforms. Starting at 50% rakeback without any prior volume requirement is highly unusual and positions the offer as one of the more compelling currently available to UK players.
This isn’t the operator’s first push in the UK market. In the past, it has run a range of UK-focused promotions, including face-off daily freerolls, tailored welcome offers, and bankroll boosters.
This latest promotion stands out, particularly for higher-volume players, though even casual players stand to benefit from the elevated rakeback over the year.
The promotion runs until April 30.
