Loyalty overhaul launches January 30 with yearly status protection to replace Fish Buffet
GGPoker will retire its long-standing Fish Buffet loyalty program on January 30, 2026, replacing it with a revamped system titled Ocean Rewards. The incoming framework introduces a simplified currency structure and raises the maximum achievable rakeback to 80 percent, a substantial increase from the previous 60 percent ceiling.
The operator has positioned the update as a pivot toward long-term stability for players. Unlike Fish Buffet’s emphasis on short-term goals, Ocean Rewards introduces “Guaranteed Yearly Status.” Players who reach a specific tier will lock in that status through the end of the following calendar year.
Tide Points and Gem Mechanics
The new economy functions on two primary assets, Tide Points and Gems. The accumulation formula is standardized: players earn 100 Tide Points for every $1 generated in rake.
As players accrue volume, they advance through tiers ranging from “Fish” to “Shark.” Reaching higher tiers accelerates the rate at which players earn Gems. These Gems function as the convertible currency for cash rewards, with their value scaling alongside the player’s tier.
Sarne Lightman, GGPoker Managing Director, stated that the 80 percent cap is intended to be an industry-leading figure.
“We wanted to move away from the short-term grind and create a program that truly honors loyalty with long-term security,” Lightman said. “By offering guaranteed yearly status and raising the cashback ceiling… we ensure that every player, whether a casual enthusiast or a dedicated professional, gets more value than ever before.”
Migration Protocol and Bankroll Settlements
The transition to Ocean Rewards will be automatic for the majority of the player base on January 30. GGPoker noted that players in specific regulated jurisdictions may need to manually opt in via the game client.
Upon the system switch, all pending rewards stored in the Fish Buffet system will be automatically liquidated and credited to player account balances. To handle the tier migration, GGPoker has established a “high-water mark” criteria to ensure players do not lose standing.
A player’s starting rank in Ocean Rewards will be determined by the higher of two metrics:
- The player’s active Fish Buffet rank on January 30, 2026.
- The player’s theoretical rank based on total Fish Points accumulated between January 1, 2025, and January 30, 2026.
Transition Specifics
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier Upgrade | All players receive a promotional bump to the next tier bracket. For example, a “Platinum Octopus” will transition to the “Octopus” tier. |
| Point Conversion | Fish Points earned from December 1, 2025, to the launch date will transfer as Tide Points. |
| Status Duration | Tiers earned are locked until the end of the next calendar year. |
| Eligibility | Open to all existing and new players. |
