ClubWPT Gold, the sweepstakes online poker platform run by the World Poker Tour (WPT), is set to make a major upgrade to its software on Wednesday, May 7—but not everyone is happy.
The site will officially switch from its current web-based interface to a downloadable client, and with it comes one of the most requested features: Multi-tabling.
Since its official launch earlier this year, ClubWPT Gold, built on the same A5 Labs software used by WPT Global, has been missing several basic features, including multi-tabling. While this limitation might seem archaic to regular online grinders, it was precisely this simplicity that gave the site its charm and its soft games.
- Generous Welcome Offer
- Daily freerolls & free SC offers
- Hold’em, Omaha and Mixed Games
By not offering features common on traditional poker sites, ClubWPT Gold created an environment that closely mimicked live poker: slower-paced, single-table action filled primarily with recreational players.
But that’s about to change from tomorrow.
The announcement came via WPT ambassador Brad Owen, who revealed in his latest vlog that the new downloadable client would begin rolling out on May 7. Multi-tabling will be part of the package from the get-go, although the exact number of simultaneous tables allowed has not been confirmed. Four tables appear to be the working assumption. The mobile app, however, won’t support multi-tabling for now.
This will put ClubWPT Gold more closely with other mainstream online poker operators, most of which allow players to open anywhere from four to even 12 tables at once. Further features are expected in future updates, including a built-in HUD, something that could tilt the player base even further toward serious grinders.
This announcement has already caused some friction among players.
“The site was great because it mimicked live poker. Now it’s going to be just another online site filled with boring GTO players multi-tabling,” lamented one Reddit user.
“Wish they’d keep it single table tbh. Games are far better,” wrote another.
From a development standpoint, this change was arguably inevitable. ClubWPT Gold has been lagging behind other sweepstakes poker platforms like Clubs Poker, which offer multi-tabling, downloadable clients, and a wider selection of features and game formats.
Lagging Behind Other Sweepstakes Poker Sites
On the other hand, ClubWPT Gold has long lacked basic functionality: no Omaha, no Run It Twice, no Bomb Pots, no note-taking or player color tagging. In fact, it even charges players for using time bank. Still, despite this barebones setup, it boasts a healthy player pool, due to its WPT branding and generous promotions when the site went live.
Clubs Poker, by comparison, has a much more feature-rich offering, including Omaha and mixed games, bomb pots, run it twice and mystery bounty tournaments. ClubWPT Gold’s volume of players is what has kept it relevant and perhaps made it a target for more serious players looking to turn Sweep Coins into real money prizes.
Both ClubWPT Gold and Clubs Poker operate under the sweepstakes model, using Sweeps Coins (SC) that can be redeemed for cash at a rate of $1 per SC, allowing them to operate in most US states. As of now, ClubWPT Gold is available in 46 states, while Clubs Poker is accessible in 43 states.
While there is no denying the upgrade to a client-based platform and the introduction of multi-tabling will improve functionality and appeal to more experienced players, ClubWPT Gold’s very unique appeal, a haven for casuals and live-style play, could slowly erode as more volume-seeking grinders flock in.
One user on Reddit put it best:
“This will def reduce the softness of the games, but the site implementing a multi-table feature was kind of inevitable.”
