GGPoker is replacing its Fish Buffet rewards program in 2026 with Ocean Rewards, a refreshed loyalty system built for better value, higher cashback, and far less hassle.
Everything revolves around Tide Points (TP), earned at a flat rate of 100 TP per $1 of rake paid in cash games, tournaments, and selected casino play. Those points determine your level and progression.
The main advantages of Ocean Rewards include:
- Cashback up to 80%: a big step up from the previous maximum, with stronger rates at every step
- Full-year level protection: your tier is secure through the end of the next calendar year, no monthly drops
- Clean and simple structure: only 8 straightforward tiers, dropping the old multi-sublevel confusion
- Gems on top: an additional currency earned with your TP, growing in value as you climb tiers for bigger rewards
Note: The new program starts on January 30, 2026, and will serve as the default rewards structure for all GGPoker players.
What is Ocean Rewards?
Ocean Rewards is GGPoker’s refreshed loyalty program, aiming to reward steady play over short-term grinds.
Players earn Tide Points to advance through 8 tiers, from Fish (starting point) to Shark, with your status locked in for a full year once achieved. Gems are earned alongside, scaling up as you climb, for premium redemptions like cash, tickets, or multipliers.
The guiding principle is simple: “Collect more, Earn more” and the higher your tier, the more Gems you get per dollar raked, and the bigger the rewards.
Most players are automatically enrolled at launch; only certain restricted regions require a manual opt-in through the client.
Ocean Rewards Tiers & Cashback Rates
Ocean Rewards features 8 tiers, with clear Tide Point requirements for progression. Higher tiers unlock better cashback percentages and more Gems per dollar raked.
Here’s the full breakdown:
| Tier | Tide Points Required | Approx. Rake Required | Cashback Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish | 0 | $0 | ~24% |
| Shrimp | 10,000 | $100 | ~32% |
| Crab | 50,000 | $500 | ~40% |
| Turtle | 200,000 | $2,000 | ~48% |
| Octopus | 750,000 | $7,500 | ~56% |
| Dolphin | 2,000,000 | $20,000 | ~64% |
| Whale | 5,000,000 | $50,000 | ~72% |
| Shark | 10,000,000 | $100,000 | ~80% |
Important: Cashback rates are approximate and may be adjusted slightly by PVI factors. Tiers are based on annual Tide Point accumulation (reset January 1 each year), with status guaranteed until the end of the following year.
Gems Explained
Gems are an additional currency earned alongside Tide Points from every $1 raked. The higher your tier, the more Gems you earn per dollar raked, which means faster accumulation and better value overall.
You can exchange Gems at any time in the client for useful rewards, including:
- Direct cash (withdrawable to your balance)
- Tournament tickets or buy-ins
- Rake multipliers and other boosts
Higher tiers give you more favorable exchange rates, especially when redeeming larger amounts.
Here’s the official visual showing how exchange value improves with higher tiers and bigger collections:
Exact rates and full redemption options will be confirmed after the January 30, 2026 launch.
Ocean Rewards vs Fish Buffet
Ocean Rewards replaces Fish Buffet with a simpler, more generous system focused on long-term loyalty rather than short-term pressure. Here’s how the two programs compare:
| Feature | Fish Buffet | Ocean Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cashback | Up to 60% | Up to 80% |
| Tier Duration | Short-term (monthly/weekly resets) | Full year security (locked until end of next year) |
| Earning Mechanism | Fish Points with RNG wheel & hidden modifiers | Flat Tide Points (100 TP per $1 rake) + scaling Gems |
| Downgrade Risk | Frequent (monthly or weekly) | Only at year-end (if you don’t requalify) |
| Progression | 20+ confusing sub-ranks | 8 clean, intuitive tiers |
| PVI Impact | Heavy hidden penalties | Still exists, but yearly system allows easier recovery |
| Best For | Short burst play & high-volume grinders | Consistent, steady, and casual players |
Ocean Rewards removes the RNG wheel and monthly pressure, so rakeback becomes more predictable and better for most players.
Transition from Fish Buffet
The switch to Ocean Rewards is automatic on January 30, 2026. You do not need to do anything and your pending Fish Buffet rewards will be paid out in cash to your account.
Your new tier will be the higher of:
- Your current Fish Buffet rank on the launch date
- The rank you earned from January 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026
Fish Points earned between December 1, 2025 and January 30, 2026 will convert directly to Tide Points.
Here’s how Fish Buffet ranks map to Ocean Rewards (approximate mapping based on the upgrade rules and GGPoker announcements):
| Fish Buffet Level | Old Cashback | Ocean Rewards Level | New Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Fish | ~15% | Fish | ~24% |
| Silver Fish | ~20% | Shrimp | ~32% |
| Gold Fish | ~25% | Crab | ~40% |
| Platinum Fish | ~30% | Turtle | ~48% |
| Diamond Fish | ~35% | Octopus | ~56% |
| Black Shark | ~60% | Dolphin | ~64% |
| Black Shark (Top) | ~60% | Whale | ~72% |
| VIP / High-Volume | up to ~60% | Shark | ~80% |
This makes the switch easy, fair, and rewarding for everyone.
PVI in Ocean Rewards
The Player Value Index (PVI) system from Fish Buffet likely still applies in Ocean Rewards, though GGPoker has not yet confirmed this officially.
PVI affects the number of Tide Points earned per $1 raked, the official rate is 100 TP per $1, but your actual ratio may be lower depending on factors like:
- Playstyle (e.g., winning vs. losing)
- Deposits and withdrawal patterns
- Game mix (cash games, tournaments, casino)
- Other internal player value calculations
The yearly tier system is the big improvement, instead of monthly resets, you have more time to adjust and recover if PVI reduces your points.
Note: Full details about PVI in Ocean Rewards will be clearer after the January 30, 2026 launch.
FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about Ocean Rewards:
When does Ocean Rewards start?
The program launches on January 30, 2026, and fully replaces Fish Buffet from that date.
Do I need to opt-in or sign up?
No, it’s automatic for most players. In some restricted regions, you may need a quick manual opt-in through the GGPoker client.
What happens to my current Fish Buffet rewards and points?
Pending rewards cash out to your account. Fish Points from December 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026 convert to Tide Points. Your tier upgrades automatically to the best match.
Will my tier drop if I don't play much?
Tiers are secure for a full year. Downgrades only happen at year-end if you don’t meet the TP requirement for the next year.
Is PVI still in Ocean Rewards?
Likely yes, but not officially confirmed. If it applies, the yearly system gives you more time to recover compared to monthly resets in Fish Buffet.
How do I earn Tide Points and Gems?
100 TP per $1 raked (cash games, tournaments, select casino). Gems earn alongside, with more at higher tiers.
Can I redeem Gems for cash or tickets?
Yes, exchange anytime in the client for cash, tournament tickets, multipliers, and more. Value improves at higher tiers.
Is the cashback guaranteed?
Cashback is based on your tier and may be adjusted slightly by PVI. Rates are approximate until launch.
What if I have questions after launch?
Check the GGPoker client or support. Full details (exact rates, redemptions) will be available after January 30, 2026.
