Global Poker review: top-notch social poker experience
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Global Poker has been a game-changer in the online poker world since its debut in 2017. Boasting one of the most extensive playerbases in the US, this platform offers a unique blend of competitive online poker and engaging social gaming.
You’ll play with Gold Coins and collect free Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes. Our expert’s Global Poker review covers games, promotions, payment options, support channels, and mobile play.
Pros and cons
- Free daily Gold Coins
- Plenty of poker tournaments
- Multi-tabling available
- No live chat
- Few payment providers
- Lacks search bar
General ratings
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Read moreGeneral info
| Launch date | 01/02/2016 |
| Company behind | VGW Group |
Best alternatives to Global Poker
Expert verdict
Considering its endorsement by the reputable and seasoned VGW brand, my expectations were already set high, and I can confidently say that they have been met. In summary, I found the platform to be highly immersive, delivering a top-tier social casino experience.
You can access an impressive selection of poker games and tournaments available in multiple different formats. This poker-focused platform also delivers a diverse selection of casino-style games to cater to a broader audience.
Security measures tick all the boxes, and Global Poker is committed to player protection and promoting responsible social gameplay. Support is up to standard, with a detailed Help Centre and FAQs, and ticket-based support over email. Fortunately, the quality of support is satisfying.
While Global Poker undeniably offers an exceptional gaming experience, navigating the platform can occasionally pose challenges. There is room for improvement in terms of user experience and overall usability. I would also like to see a greater choice of purchase options, 24/7 live chat support, and improved usability functions, like filtering and search.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a poker newbie, Global Poker is the perfect place to sharpen your skills, make new friends, and enjoy the fun.
State differences
Global Poker operates as an online social casino accessible in 48 US states, with the exception of Washington and Michigan. In Idaho, only Gold-Coin play is permitted.
Serving millions of customers throughout the US, Global Poker is the sole online social poker platform currently available. Its sweepstakes-based model allows for legal and fully regulated operation within all its service areas.
How does Global Poker social casino work?
Global Poker is a social casino with sweepstakes designed for entertainment, where you can’t use real money to place bets. It uses two in-game tokens: Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC).
Gold Coins at Global Poker
Gold Coins are virtual tokens that can be purchased, with options going from $2 up, enabling you to play Standard Play games. They have no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for prizes.
Sweeps Coins at Global Poker
You can collect Sweeps Coins free of charge when you sign up to Global Poker, as a promotional offer for purchasing Gold Coins or by playing Promotional Play games, but you can’t purchase them. They can be used to enter sweepstakes and redeemed for real prizes and gift cards.
If you like Global Poker’s offer but want to explore similar options, visit our page dedicated to casinos like Global Poker.
Global Poker bonus and sign-up offers
Because Global Poker casino-style games and promotions work the same way as they would at most sweepstake sites, the welcome bonus differs slightly from a standard poker casino.
Upon signing up, players receive 5,000 free Gold Coins, and can avail of a limited-time purchase offer: purchase 200,000 Gold Coins for $20 (50% discount), and get 40 FREE Sweeps Coins. This offer is valid for six days.
You can also use our exclusive Global Poker bonus code to get over 65% off on your first purchase. The offer is only available when purchasing Gold Coins using the ‘PLAYPOKER’ bonus code.
Players can also grab free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins every day of the week just by logging in and heading to the ‘Get Coins’ section. By completing a seven-day streak, you can expect to receive 10,000 Gold Coins and 3.1 Sweeps Coins.
Bonus facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | Over 65% off on first purchase, 5,000 free GC, and limited-time GC offer |
| Bonus code | PLAYPOKER |
| Daily credits | Yes |
| Tournaments | Yes. Daily, weekly, and monthly |
| Championships | Grizzly Games, Rattlesnake Open, The GOAT, Eagle Cup |
| Game-specific bonuses | No |
| VIP rewards | No |
| Other promotions and events | Seasonal events, challenges, social-media promos and contests |
As for other promotions, there is not a lot going on. There were no extra ongoing classic online casino bonuses. Instead, the site runs poker tournaments that allow players to win incredible tournament prizes when they top leaderboards.
Global Poker tournaments
Global Poker provides simple lobbies to help you choose the best tables. Six-handed and nine-handed ring games cover Omaha, Hold ’em, and other variants. Each game is also available as a fixed limit, pot limit, or no limit.
Another feature, and one that will suit pro-level players, is the multi-tabling ability. Global Poker doesn’t limit the number of tables you can join at once.
You will also encounter an excellent tournament scene on the Global Poker site, with Omaha, Crazy Pineapple, and Hold ’em tournaments available in numerous varieties. Variations include Sit and Go (SNG), freezeouts, multi-table, deep stack, hyper-turbos, jackpot SNGs, rebuys, and satellite tourneys.
Here’s an example of weekly tournaments and their prize pools provided at Golden Poker, both with Gold Coin and Sweeps Coins play:
| Date | Time | Event | GTD | Tournament entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 2:00 PM | 50,000 GC Guaranteed [6-Max, Turbo] | 50,000 GC | 1,100 GC |
| Mon-Fri | 3:00 PM | 25,000 GC Guaranteed | 25,000 GC | 550 GC |
| Mon-Fri | 7:00 AM | Breakfast Epiphanies 150 SC Guaranteed [Hyper-Turbo] | 150 SC | 5.35 SC |
| Mon-Fri | 12:30 PM | Daily 500 SC Guaranteed | 500 SC | 11.00 SC |
The ‘private games’ option allows you to organize a tournament exclusively for your friends. You can also discover numerous unoccupied tables to gather and enjoy free online poker socially.
Bonus rating
- Free daily log-in bonus
- Weekly poker promos
- Golden Poker merch rewards
- More promo variety needed
- No loyalty program
- No free SC on sign-up
Let’s get straight to the point and say the promotions on Global Poker do fall seriously short here. US poker players are accustomed to receiving lucrative promos that reward new customers and returning players alike.
Global Poker doesn’t really do either of these things well enough, and in my opinion, it needs to have more active bonuses. Especially when compared to numerous offers at Stake.us bonuses.
Still, the 5,000 free Gold Coins welcome bonus is attractive in its own way. While it can’t compete with generous offers at other poker sites, it is a no-deposit promo.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get any free Sweeps Coins when signing up, and the only thing constituting a loyalty program is the seven-day daily log-in rewards. In comparison with daily rewards at other social casinos, Global Poker’s deserve praise.
The welcome package offer is open to everyone — no Global Poker promo code needed — but you can grab a 65% discount on the first purchase by using our ‘PLAYPOKER’ bonus code.
Tournaments are a major reason to play at Global Poker. While the promos associated with tourneys are average at best, the competitions themselves are excellent. Certainly, the Sunday Scrimmage weekly event is worth checking out — it features a pot of 50,000 Sweep Coins.
Multi-tabling on Global Poker US is also good. I was able to set up and play on 10 tables at the same time. It seemed like there was no limit, but even 10 is way more than most should ever need.
Global Poker games
Global Poker offers some of the most outstanding poker options for players in the US, as well social casino slots and table games. You’ll never encounter long game-wait times and can readily discover tables that suit your skill level.
Various poker formats are covered, including Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Bounty Poker, Jackpot Sit and Go, and Crazy Pineapple.
In terms of casino-style slots, there are 54 visually appealing and user-friendly options, including eight jackpot titles. As for table games, there are currently four on offer.
Games facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Expert’s pick | Texas Hold’em |
| Poker games | 11 |
| Popular poker game | Omaha Hi/Lo |
| Slots | 54 |
| Popular slot | Hypernova Megaways |
| Jackpots | 8 |
| Top jackpot | Reelin n’ Rockin |
| Table games | 4 |
| Popular table game | Premium Blackjack |
| Average RTP | 96.11% |
| Demo-play availability | N/A; free-play available after logging in |
Game types
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Slots
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Blackjack
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Jackpots
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Table games
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Poker
Poker games
All of the following are available in a variety of different types of tournaments, SNGs, and ring games:
- Texas Hold ’em
- Omaha
- Omaha Hi/Lo
- Crazy Pineapple
Slots at Global Poker
There aren’t many slot games, but that’s understandable since Global Poker’s primary focus is, naturally, on poker. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy some high-quality slot games and jackpot hits.
Here are some of the most popular Global Poker slots:
| Slot title | Software provider | RTP % | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypernova Megaways | ReelPlay | 96.09% | Wilds, Scatter, Multiplier, Respins |
| Diamond Panther | VGW | 96.33% | Shifting Vines, Multiplier, Free Spins |
| Money Train 2 | Relax Gaming | 96.40% | Wilds, Scatter, Multiplier, Free Spins, Respins |
| Wolf Gold | Pragmatic Play | 96.01% | Wilds, Scatter, Free Spins, Expanding Wilds, Respins |
Casino-style table games
Global Poker offers a limited selection of table games, including three blackjack tables and one poker table, but there’s no roulette. Here are some of the available tables:
| Game title | Software provider | RTP % | Max payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | VGW | N/A | 3:2 |
| Premium Blackjack | VGW | N/A | 3:2 |
| Caribbean Poker | VGW | N/A | 200:1 |
| Casino Hold’em | VGW | N/A | 100:1 |
Games rating
- Best selection of poker games
- Different poker types and formats
- Slots and other tables are a perk
- Less popular tables are empty
- No demos available
Global Poker provides a good spread of games that reflect its position as one of the leading social poker sites in the US.
During my Global Poker review, I never needed to wait to enter any game I wanted to play. That being said, you can find the most action on the no-limit Texas Hold ’em tables.
If you like different forms of poker, the Omaha tables are well populated, especially for pot-limit games. However, it all gets a little more hit-and-miss for other game types.
Even so, I am happy to rank Global Poker as one of the best social poker sites for game variety and access.
Global Poker also has over 50 slots and table games available. It’s not bad, considering it is mainly a poker site. But if you want to play slots or table games and want variety, I recommend you check out the BetRivers.NET social casino.
Software
Most of the games at Global Poker are powered by the site’s in-house software. However, there are a few other providers, like Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, and Swinnt, that cover the slots section.
Software facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Most popular slot software | Pragmatic Play |
| Number of software providers | 5 |
| Live providers | N/A |
| Most popular live software | N/A |
| Bespoke software | Yes |
| Download required? | No |
Most games are unique and custom-built for VGW sites, which you will find only here and at Chumba and LuckyLand Slots.
Available software
-
Relax Gaming
-
ReelPlay
-
Pragmatic Play
-
Slingo
Software rating
- Quality in-house software
- Popular titles by well-known providers
- Could add more providers
- No live software providers
Many social casinos typically rely on custom-built software, but I spotted four non-VGW providers. There could be more, but similarly to all Global Poker sister sites, there absence of advanced filters inhibits me from doing a good job here.
But I appreciate the dedication to not limiting itself solely to its own software, which, to be fair, is excellent. However, the platform recently has expanded the offer by incorporating a few additional brands, particularly in the slots library.
It’s worth exploring the possibility of further diversification in other game categories by introducing more providers, which could enhance the variety of games available.
No qualms about the grade-A production though! Exceptional quality and feature implementation are standards that Global Poker’s custom software upholds well.
Purchase methods and prizes
Because of its unique model, you can’t deposit money into Global Poker in the traditional sense. Instead, it is possible to purchase Gold Coins that you can use to have a better experience playing poker and other casino-style games.
If you wish to purchase Gold Coins, Global Poker supports payments from all major credit cards and online banking. Another option is the popular digital e-wallet Skrill, which allows seamless online transactions.
Payment facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of payment methods | 6 |
| Top payment | Skrill |
| Minimum purchase | $2 |
| Maximum purchase | $500 |
| Average purchase time | Instant |
| Prize redemption | Available |
| Minimum prize redemption | 50 SC (cash prizes); 10 SC (gift cards) |
| Maximum prize redemption | $10,000 |
When you make your initial purchase, you will need to validate your mobile phone number by entering a verification code sent to your phone. After completing this verification, you can proceed with your purchase.
Payment options
Prize redemption
-
Bank Transfer
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Skrill
-
Gift cards
How to redeem prizes at Golden Poker
Redeeming Sweeps Coins for prizes is a simple process, but there is a minimum redemption requirement of 50 SC for cash prizes and 10 SC for gift cards.
Before you can exchange Sweeps Coins for prizes, you must verify your identity and pass the KYC (Know Your Customer) check by Global Poker.
Once these requirements are met, the steps are as follows:
- Click on the ‘Get Coins’ button within the main menu.
- Select ‘Redeem Prize’.
- Choose how you would like to redeem your prize: gift cards or cash (via bank or Skrill).
- Fill in the details and confirm.
Prize redemption rules
- Global Poker will handle a single prize redemption request per player per day.
- When redeeming prizes as gift cards, the gift cards will be delivered to the registered email address.
- If you decide to redeem prizes for cash, the cash payment will be processed using the payment method used for purchasing Gold Coins. If Skrill was used as well, it will become available as a redemption option after the purchase equivalent has been played through.
- In New York and Florida, the highest amount you can redeem for a prize won on a single spin or play is $5,000. If the prize exceeds $5,000, it will be adjusted to a maximum value of $5,000.
Payments rating
- Convenient purchase methods
- Redeemable prizes as cash/gift cards
- Excessive limitations on redemptions
- Long processing times
- Doesn’t offer PayPal
My overall impression of payments is mixed. The relatively limited array of purchase options may not fully satisfy those who prioritize flexibility in their payment methods, particularly when compared to the more diverse choices offered on other VGW-operated social platforms.
The absence of PayPal, a widely popular e-wallet, is particularly striking considering its prior availability on Global Poker. The decision to sever ties with a prominent payment provider is somewhat disconcerting.
On a positive note, the minimum purchase amount is set at a very reasonable $2.00, with the upper limit extending to $500. Global Poker also provides ample opportunities to acquire free tokens, a noteworthy advantage.
The minimum redemption thresholds are in line with industry averages, requiring 50 SC for cash prizes and 10 SC for gift cards.
Additionally, the restriction of being able to redeem only one prize daily may prove to be limiting for some users. There’s also a daily cap of $10,000 on prize redemptions.
Global Poker stipulates a potential processing duration of up to 10 days for prize redemptions, a timeframe that some may find excessively protracted. Notably, user reviews suggest expedited processing when utilizing Skrill.
Prizes obtained through giveaways or contests may also involve lengthy processing times, with merchandise typically dispatched within five business days.
Including gift card redemption options adds a commendable degree of flexibility to the system. However, there is room for improvement in reducing the restrictions when redeeming prizes as cash and adding more options, which could enhance the overall experience.
Safety features
Global Poker is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect all data and transactions. Your personal information is used exclusively to provide services at Global Poker and to fulfill legal obligations.
Global Poker’s RNG is certified by iTech Labs and uses a Mersenne Twister with background cycling to ensure random chance outcomes.
Safety facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Auditing seals | iTech Labs certificate |
| Responsible gambling seals | Responsible Gambling Foundation |
| Licenses | Malta Gaming Authority |
| SSL encryption | 256-bit |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes |
| Legal age | 18+ |
| Purchase, play amount, and gameplay limits | Available |
| Self-exclusion | Available |
| Cooling-off period | Available |
You can set different limits on your account to help monitor your play. Players can set session limits, purchase limits, and take gambling breaks in two ways: through self-exclusion and cooling off.
Trusted by
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Responsible Gaming Foundation
Safety rating
- All standard measures available
- RNG-certified games
- Excellent responsible gambling tools
- Numerous online complaints
- Ticketing through Zendesk
Global Poker ranks pretty high in the security department for a social casino in the US. First, your information will be encrypted using the 256-bit SSL encryption. Next, licensing isn’t required for sweepstake and social casinos, but the reputable MGA seal is good to see.
I appreciated that the games underwent audits, and the accessibility of the RNG certificate in the footer adds to transparency, earning Global Poker casino extra points in my book.
I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the responsible gaming commitment. Global Poker makes setting Gold Coin purchase limits easy, while the Activity Reminder is an excellent tool that suspends play and issues alerts at preset times.
The operator requires all players to go through KYC checks to bolster safety across the site. My account was verified within hours after providing the necessary information. This safeguards the operator and prevents fraudulent activities, benefiting all players.
Zendesk is not an ideal choice, and one at times avoided by players, due to concerns over system manipulation and reported instances of fraudulent claims.
Given Global Poker’s history and the numerous online complaints, I would have initially leaned towards giving them a lower rating. However, upon reviewing its current offerings, it’s clear it has made efforts to improve its safety features, which is commendable. Nonetheless, there are still some notable gaps to address.
Customer support at Global Poker
Support at Global Poker is available through on-site ticketing, email, and social media. There is no live chat or telephone support.
While email support at Global Poker is accessible around the clock, often take up to 24 hours.
The brand maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Twitch, where its agents promptly address inquiries.
Additionally, the operator has fostered a vibrant community on Discord and Twitch, allowing players to receive assistance from fellow Global Poker casino enthusiasts and community managers.
Support facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer support availability | 24/7 |
| Live chat | Yes |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | N/A |
| On-page support | FAQ, Help Center, ticket system |
Global Poker provides a Help Center on its website, offering frequently asked questions and instructional guides covering player accounts, purchases, responsible gaming, and security measures.
Support rating
- Professional support agents
- Active social accounts
- Detailed FAQs
- No live chat
- No phone support
Customer support provided by Global Poker falls slightly short of expectations. Typically, I would have reservations about a poker website that doesn’t offer a 24/7 live chat.
There’s no option for phone support as well, leaving no direct means of reaching Global Poker staff, which could be a drawback for those seeking immediate assistance.
Turning to a brighter aspect, I’d like to commend the consistent professionalism displayed by its agents in my email exchanges. It did take a couple of hours to receive the first response.
However, the quality of the FAQs and T&Cs provided by Golden Poker is decent. In most cases, you can resolve your concerns effectively without having to resort to email support or ticketing.
While I appreciate the Discord community, it’s more of an auxiliary feature for Global Poker. Fortunately, the support agents are responsive on the official Facebook page, though I was advised to use email for security reasons.
Global Poker site usability and mobile compatibility
Global Poker offers a well-structured and user-friendly website. With the convenient categories prominently displayed at the top of the homepage, you can effortlessly navigate to your desired sections.
While Global Poker is accessible on mobile devices, there is no dedicated app available. Instead, you can access the website through a mobile browser. The website uses HTML5 technology, ensuring a seamless transition from desktop to mobile screens.
Global Poker also offers a convenient clock app designed to keep you informed during live tournaments. This app is a top choice for a blinds timer clock for your poker events, as it tracks the remaining time in the current round and provides details such as the big and small blind amounts, upcoming blinds, round number, and more.
Usability facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | N/A; only Global Poker Clock app |
| Mobile game availability | Full suite |
| Ease of navigation | Good |
| Game filters | Yes, basic (only advanced poker filtering) |
| Search function | N/A |
| Loading speed | 7.1s |
| UI and UX rating | Good |
| Other products | N/A |
You can sort poker games based on their format, limit, and tournament entry, easily switch between different variations, and hide full tables. Additionally, you can use the convenient search bar to find a particular poker game you have in mind.
Usability rating
- Responsive mobile website
- Detailed poker filtering
- Global Poker Clock app
- No search bar
- No native app
After logging in to my Global Poker account, I was impressed with the site’s overall usability.
I found navigating the operator’s impressive collection of poker games and tournaments super straightforward. Seeing the number of seats available and the blinds was also helpful. I particularly enjoyed the ability to search through and filter poker games by format, limit, and entry.
The lack of the search bar in the ‘Casino’ section is tolerable, since the entire game collection totals only 59 titles. I could filter games by the useful categories on top, which helped me find the titles I wanted to play quickly.
Although there’s no native app, I had no issues running the website on my mobile browser during my Global Poker review.
Navigation on a smaller screen is intuitive, with all menus and games easily accessible. However, it seems this is not a mobile-first website, but simply an adjusted version of the standard desktop site.
What I found most impressive is the inclusion of the GP Clock App, serving as an ideal companion for live poker tournaments. This app enables you to customize blind levels, player counts, and tournament structures, reflecting Global Poker’s thoughtful approach to prioritizing the player experience.