Fish Buffet is no longer the current name
Older GGPoker rakeback guides may still describe Fish Buffet spins, points or tier ladders. Those guides can be useful for history, but GGPoker announced that Ocean Rewards would take its place on 30 January 2026. A current comparison should begin with the new program rather than reprint old tables.
How Ocean Rewards measures play
Ocean Rewards uses Tide Points for status progression and GEMs for reward value. The operator's published terms describe 100 Tide Points for each $1 of rake generated in eligible poker. GEMs are tracked separately and should not be assumed to convert from Tide Points at a fixed rate. The player's tier influences reward benefits and redemption options.
The promotional headline says up to 80% cashback. "Up to" describes a ceiling, not an entitlement for every player. Country-specific rules, game eligibility, point calculations and redemption conditions can change the amount you actually receive.
Do not enter 80% by default
If your current reward statements show $36 of usable value from $180 of attributed rake, your observed effective rate is 20%. Use 20% in the calculator until your actual tier or benefits change.
What to check in your account
Look at your regional Ocean Rewards terms, your present tier, credited Tide Points and actual GEM redemption value. Check for game-specific adjustments. If the account is registered in a restricted country, even the published international promotion may not apply.
Does GGPoker rakeback apply to tournaments?
The program covers eligible poker play under its published terms, but the rate at which fees generate credits and the available rewards may depend on format and market. A tournament player should check fees and credits rather than assuming the cash-game example transfers unchanged.
For a side-by-side view of the current programs, return to the poker room comparison.
Why Tide Points and GEMs are separate numbers
GGPoker's current Ocean Rewards terms describe 100 Tide Points for each $1 in qualifying poker rake. Tide Points measure tier progress; they are not dollar credits. GEMs accumulate independently and their value depends on the current redemption schedule and player tier. The published terms also describe a yearly reset for Tide Points on January 1 and possible adjustment for tournament overlay.
5,000 GEMs does not mean $5,000
The operator's example converts 5,000 GEMs to $5 at a 1,000-GEM-per-dollar redemption point. Other redemption quantities can offer a different rate. This illustrates redemption value only; it does not predict how fast a particular player earns GEMs.
A useful personal audit
At month end, note the credited poker rake, your starting and ending GEM balances, GEMs redeemed and actual cash value received. Divide the value by the eligible fees you generated, then compare against your expected next-month play. This observed rate is more informative than entering the published maximum of 80% in a calculator.
Primary sources and documentation
Sources checked for this edition. The operator account and regional terms control eligibility.
GGPoker: full Ocean Rewards conditions ↗GGPoker: January 2026 launch announcement ↗