- WSOP is contractually tied to 888’s software until 2026 due to a long-term agreement renewed in 2021.
- GGPoker owns the WSOP brand but currently plays no operational role in the US platform.
- GGPoker is taking steps to enter the US market, including securing licenses in key states.
- WSOP’s transition to GGPoker software is likely post-2026 and could coincide with expansion into new US states.
Last Sunday, a major technical issue forced WSOP to cancel Day 2 of its $1 million guaranteed online bracelet event, leaving players frustrated and disappointed. The high-profile failure has reignited a question we are often asked: Why hasn’t WSOP switched to GGPoker’s software for its US operations?
It’s a fair one after all, GGPoker now owns the World Series of Poker brand following its acquisition in late 2024. The two are more intertwined than ever, and it seems only natural for WSOP to run on GGPoker’s acclaimed platform, widely regarded as one of the most advanced in the industry.
Yet, WSOP continues to operate in the US using software provided by 888poker.
GGPoker is actively exploring opportunities to make our great software and games available to American players
The reason? WSOP and 888 have a longstanding B2B software agreement. This partnership dates back to 2013, when WSOP was among the first to launch regulated online poker in the country. The software deal was renewed in 2021 for another five years, meaning it will expire in 2026.
Unless the agreement ends early, which appears unlikely, WSOP remains contractually bound to use 888’s Poker 8 platform in the US until then. Once the deal expires, a transition to GGPoker’s software seems logical, given the shared ownership and close ties between the two brands.
But for that to happen, GGPoker must secure the necessary supplier or manufacturing licenses. It already holds such a license in Pennsylvania and has registered as a foreign corporation in New Jersey and Michigan, signs that it’s laying the groundwork for a US debut.
“GGPoker is actively exploring opportunities to make our great software and games available to American players, but we don’t have any specifics to share at this time,” a GGPoker spokesperson told pokerfuse two years ago.
When exactly that switch could happen remains unclear. It could come as early as next year or take another couple of years. But when it does, it would mark GGPoker’s official entry into the regulated US market. While the platform would almost certainly carry the WSOP brand, an iconic name in American poker, it may also spotlight GGPoker’s role, perhaps under a co-branded identity like WSOP Powered by GGPoker.
There are compelling reasons for WSOP to transition to GGPoker’s software and not just because they now share ownership. GGPoker is widely regarded as having one of the most advanced and modern poker platforms in the industry, built specifically to appeal to recreational players with a rich and unique feature set.
The platform was among the first to popularize the now-trendy Mystery Bounty format and offers built-in tools like tournament staking, an integrated HUD, player tracking features, and more innovations rarely seen elsewhere.
Switching to GGPoker’s software would also simplify logistics. Rather than relying on a third-party provider to power WSOP’s platform, GGPoker could directly manage operations, making it easier to handle issues like last Sunday’s technical failure.
That said, 888poker’s software isn’t far behind. Its latest platform, Poker 8, represents a major leap from its legacy client. While GGPoker is known for innovation, Poker 8 delivers a slick, modern experience with several impressive upgrades.
The platform features a cleaner interface, improved filtering options, smoother performance, and gamified elements like throwables and emojis. It also supports the increasingly popular Mystery Bounty format. Notably, 888’s mobile app is considered among the best in the business.
Still, on paper, having GGPoker directly manage and power WSOP operations makes more sense than relying on a third party. It’s important to note that WSOP Online in the US is currently operated by Caesars Digital, the online division of Caesars Entertainment. the parent company of the WSOP. Caesars Digital oversees WSOP’s online operations in the US, using a license held by NSUS to operate in the four regulated states. GGPoker (or its parent company NSUS) has no operational role in the US product, at least for now. That could, of course, change in the future.
When the GGPoker–WSOP deal was first announced, it was made clear that WSOP would not expand into additional states in the short term. That “short term” likely ends in 2026, when WSOP’s software agreement with 888 expires. At that point, GGPoker is expected to step in and take over the technology side, marking a new chapter for WSOP’s online presence in the US and also potentially powering their long-awaited expansion into new markets like West Virginia.
But before any of that can happen, two key hurdles remain: First, the existing WSOP-888 partnership must run its course. Second, GGPoker needs to obtain the necessary supplier or manufacturing licenses in each state where it plans to operate. Exactly how long that process will take remains unclear.
