GGPoker players have just two days left to take advantage of the ability to change their screen names. The policy, which was implemented on January 1, allows players to choose a new alias for a one-week period ending on January 7.
The option to change screen names can be found under the 'My Page’ section of a player’s user account. GGPoker’s decision to allow players to change their screen names is aimed at disrupting the tracking of game data by outside sources, particularly professional players. The operator hopes that by disrupting the data, the playing field will be leveled for all players.
“We’re doing this for three reasons,” explained Jason Koon, GGPoker’s Global Ambassador, in an statement to Poker Industry PRO to disrupt third-party databases, to improve game fairness, and to give players a chance to pick a more “suitable” name.
“A limited number of mainly professional players benefit from [third party databases], so by disrupting the data by way of nickname changes, it levels the playing field,” explained Koon. “The second reason is closely linked to the first; the fairness of the game improves when historical data is unavailable, and gives casual players more of a chance.”
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“Thirdly, some players simply want to change their nickname as they selected an unsuitable name quickly in the heat of the moment during account creation. It’s important to us that all players are happy with their GGPoker accounts, so allowing casual players to change their nickname seems the fairest thing to do,” Koon added.
It is the first time GGPoker has allowed this in their history; potentially, this will be an annual opportunity, with a one-week grace period each year, PRO reports. However, this remains unconfirmed.
Players can choose any available screen name, but must adhere to a “common-sense policy” and ensure their chosen name is not offensive to other players. GGPoker has reassured players that changing their screen names will not impact existing data, including player labels and notes.
GGPoker also believes that the fairness of the game can be improved when historical data is unavailable, giving casual players more of a chance. Additionally, the operator wants to ensure that all players are happy with their GGPoker accounts, including those who may have chosen an unsuitable name in the heat of the moment during account creation.
Other operators, such as partypoker, Winamax, and the now defunct MPN poker network, also relaxed rules on permanent screen names in the past. Partypoker has allowed screen name changes on a one-time basis, while Winamax permits changes every six months.
However, other operators, such as PokerStars and 888poker, do not allow screen name changes. None of the major US online poker operator — BetMGM, PokerStars and WSOP – allow it.
The operator’s decision to allow screen name changes is aimed at leveling the playing field and improving the fairness of the game for all players.
Whether you want to shake off a previous online poker identity or simply want a fresh start in the new year, GGPoker’s screen name change policy is the perfect opportunity. Players have just two days left to change their screen names, so now is the time to act if you want to make a change.
Players who have yet to sign up to GGPoker can of course set their own screen name when they first create an account. Players just need to get the GGPoker download, install the software, then walk through the simple account setup to create their own screen name.
