Last week, sweepstakes poker site ClubWPT Gold, which operates on the same model as Clubs Poker, launched a downloadable client, finally adding its most requested feature since launch: Multi-tabling.
However, the rollout was far from seamless. Although the client went live following scheduled server maintenance on May 7, early adopters quickly reported performance issues that disrupted gameplay. Players experienced unexpected table closures mid-hand, resulting in forced folds, along with buggy software and overall instability.
The operator acknowledged the rocky launch on social media, admitting the release “was below [its] standards” and pledged to address the issues. Just two days later, the site conducted an unscheduled server maintenance in an effort to stabilize the platform.
- Generous Welcome Offer
- Daily freerolls & free SC offers
- Hold’em, Omaha and Mixed Games
While some technical issues persist, the new downloadable client introduced another challenge. When launched publicly earlier this year, ClubWPT Gold lacked several basic features, multi-tabling among them. Although that functionality has now been added, many key features are still missing. The software continues to offer no support for Omaha games, lacks a Run It Twice option, does not include popular formats like Bomb Pots (common on other sweepstakes poker sites, including Clubs Poker), and offers no note-taking or player color-tagging tools.
Another side effect of the multi-tabling feature, one that many expected, is that the games have become tougher. Now that players can sit at up to four tables simultaneously, the platform is drawing more experienced regulars. As a result, many users are starting to miss the softer, more casual games that once defined the site.
Naturally, the introduction of multi-tabling has likely improved liquidity and increased the availability of ring games, but it comes at a cost. While this is not an extreme shift, The best US online poker sites allow players to multi-table four, six, or even a dozen tables.
To strike a balance, the operator could consider a middle ground by limiting multi-tabling to just two or three tables, preserving some of that original charm while still supporting a more active player base.
Clubs Poker: Feature-Rich Rival
An alternative to ClubWPT Gold is Clubs Poker. Although it may not have big-brand backing, but it has still managed to impress players with its surprisingly robust and feature-rich platform, outshining ClubWPT Gold in many areas despite a few shortcomings.
One of Clubs Poker’s standout strengths is its wide variety of games. In addition to supporting Omaha, the platform offers an extensive selection of niche formats, including mixed games, Stud, Razz, Draw games, and even Omaha variants like Big O.
Feature-wise, it checks nearly every box. Clubs Poker includes Bomb Pots, Rabbit Hunt, straddles, note-taking tools, a built-in HUD, and supports both PKO and Mystery Bounty tournaments, features that are all absent from ClubWPT Gold.
The software itself is stable and well-optimized, with minimal reported issues. It is accessible via both a web-based client and a downloadable version, and it is also available on mobile apps. The user experience is modern, with fun extras like throwables and emojis built in.
With that said, Clubs Poker is not perfect. The rake is slightly higher than on other platforms, traffic levels are lower compared to ClubWPT Gold, and its promotional offerings are not quite as compelling. Like any platform, it has its pros and cons, but notably, both Clubs Poker and ClubWPT Gold offer a relatively soft player pool, even though Clubs supports multi-tabling across up to 12 tables.
The real question now is how ClubWPT Gold addresses its ongoing software issues and the absence of key features. For players seeking a more stable experience with a wide variety of game types, Clubs Poker presents a solid alternative. Both platforms are available in over 40 states across the US, making them accessible options for sweepstakes poker fans.
