ClubWPT Gold Review: What You Must Know Before Playing
ClubWPT Gold is the new go-to site for players looking for a safe online poker option and soft games.
As poker pro Doug Polk put it, “It’s like hopping in a time machine back to 2008.” For value hunters, ClubWPT Gold offers plenty of opportunities to grow your bankroll with chances to win prizes redeemable for cash.
It’s also one of very few legitimate online poker sites available to USA-based players (in most states).
I created a ClubWPT Gold account and tested it out to write this in-depth review and guide for getting started. Here’s what I’ll cover:
- What is ClubWPT Gold & Is It Legit?
- What Poker Games Can You Play on ClubWPT Gold?
- ClubWPT Gold Bonus Details
- Pros and Cons of ClubWPT Gold
- Key Tip for Winning on ClubWPT Gold
- Final Verdict
Current Bonus: Win a Ticket to a Freeroll Tournament with a Million in Prizes
Sign up with code UPSWING2 and play in the daily Gold Rush Ticket freerolls. If you win a ticket, use it to compete in the 1,000,000 SC Freeroll in July.
Note: On ClubWPT Gold, SC stands for Sweeps Coins, which are redeemable for US dollars at a 1:1 ratio.
Pro tip: You can increase your starting chip stack in the freeroll by winning multiple tickets.
(There will be more promotions down the road for code UPSWING2 players as well.)
We recommend taking a straightforward, sound strategic approach to maximize your advantage in some of the softest online cash games and multi-table tournaments available since before Black Friday. Below, we’ll guide you through our recommended approach and everything you need to get started at ClubWPT Gold.
What Is ClubWPT Gold & Is It Legit?
ClubWPT Gold is a new internet poker site born from the World Poker Tour (WPT) brand. As many seasoned poker fans recall, WPT helped fuel the early 2000s poker boom by broadcasting poker tournaments with hole card cameras.
Now, this respected international poker brand backs ClubWPT Gold, a social sweepstakes poker site available in every U.S. state except Washington, Michigan, Montana, and Idaho.
With such a well-known and trusted brand backing the site, it’s fair to say ClubWPT Gold is legitimate. The poker site also offers some of the lowest rake of any poker site for micro to small-stakes cash games.
Note: The rake is fair for mid-stakes and relatively high for high stakes. See the FAQs below for the rake structure.
Despite some early-stage software shortcomings, ClubWPT Gold is clearly committed to improving its product with strong backing from the WPT.
The company has already demonstrated its commitment to major promotions, kicking off with a $5 million live freeroll at the 2024 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas. They also quickly lowered high stakes cash game rake after receiving player feedback that it was too high. That kind of customer service is something you rarely see from major poker sites.
Sweepstakes Poker 101
ClubWPT Gold follows the sweepstakes gaming model, which has grown in popularity due to its accessibility and the opportunity to play for real cash prizes or in virtual currency mode (play mode). These sites function similarly to traditional online poker platforms but with key differences that we’ll explain in detail in this guide.
Like other sweepstakes-based gaming sites, ClubWPT Gold operates under sweepstakes laws originally designed for promotional giveaways and drawings.
In recent years, this law has been adapted to support a unique model of online gaming where players technically do not need to deposit money to play casino or poker games from their computer or smartphone.
Gold Coin package options on ClubWPT Gold
Sweepstakes poker sites include social gaming elements, such as a play mode where players can participate without risking real money. The “Gold Coins” (GC) mode is great for beginners or those looking to practice before playing for real stakes.
Players can also choose to play in “Sweeps Coins” (SC) mode, which can be redeemed for real money prizes. After wagering your SC at least once, you can request a redemption to the same debit or credit card used for deposit. The minimum redemption amount is 20 SC.
Coin Exchange screen on ClubWPT Gold
How to Get Free Sweeps Coins (Redeemable for $)
Another perk of sweeps poker sites like ClubWPT Gold is that players can earn Sweeps Coins for free through various methods, including:
- Social media contests and giveaways
- Bonus rewards included with GC package purchases
- Mail-in requests
- Promotions like the 1,000,000 SC Gold Rush Freeroll
- Recurring freeroll tournaments on the site
What Games Can You Play on ClubWPT Gold?
While ClubWPT Gold continues to expand its offerings, it includes many of the same features as other real-money and sweepstakes poker sites but with unique twists and room for improvement.
Cash Games on ClubWPT Gold
Cash game grinders will appreciate ClubWPT Gold’s eight-handed tables, with stakes ranging from 0.05/0.10 to 5/10, running regularly.
All games feature an ante, which incentivizes looser play and increases potential win-rates for good players.
The cash game lobby on ClubWPT Gold
Players can also find three-blind cash games, such as 0.20/0.50/1, which create even more action.
A cash game with 3 blinds (0.20/0.50/1) and an ante on ClubWPT Gold
Tournaments on ClubWPT Gold
The tournament selection is extensive for small-stakes players, with a growing slate of good-value mid-stakes MTTs. Tournament buy-ins start as low as 1.10 SC, with frequent freerolls and other promotional events available.
The tournament lobby on ClubWPT Gold
Currently, the best value for mid-stakes grinders is the 110 SC Sunday Deepstack, which boasts a 200,000 SC guaranteed prize pool and runs at 7 PM ET. Like most tournaments, it allows up to five re-entries per player, leading to loose play in early levels — an opportunity for skilled players to capitalize on.
As a newer site, ClubWPT Gold currently offers only No-Limit Texas Hold’em (NLHE), though more variants may be added in the future.
Many U.S. real-money poker sites attract top-tier competition full of strong players, but ClubWPT Gold remains a relatively untapped market. For now, the site draws casual and recreational players, creating lucrative opportunities for savvy or experienced players.
ClubWPT Gold Bonus
ClubWPT Gold is currently taking qualifiers for a huge freeroll, and this time you could be taking home a piece of an SC 1,000,000 prize pool.
Play the Gold Rush Ticket Freerolls every day from May 18 – July 6 to win your ticket. If you win multiple tickets, you’ll start the freeroll with a bigger stack.
Sign up for ClubWPT Gold using promo code UPSWING2 and play in those Gold Rush Ticket freerolls every day.
Pros and Cons of ClubWPT Gold
As a newer poker site, ClubWPT Gold has some functional limitations, such as allowing play on only one table at a time and offering limited filters for cash games (with none yet for tournaments).
There is currently no native ClubWPT Gold app for desktop or mobile, making some features—like the bet slider—less user-friendly, especially for mobile players.
Despite these shortcomings, which developers are actively addressing, ClubWPT Gold offers some of the best value for experienced players and some of the softest games available. We also expect the site’s quality, player pools, and prize pools to grow over time.
Current pros and cons of playing at ClubWPT Gold:
PROS
- ✔ Soft competition
- ✔ Backed by the reputable WPT brand
- ✔ Legal for players in 46 states
- ✔ Growing site with increasing game options & prize pools
- ✔ Frequent freerolls and GC package specials
- ✔ Toggle stack display between BB, chips, or dollars
- ✔ Cash games from 0.05/0.10 to 5/10 SC
- ✔ Unique three-blind cash games available
- ✔ Cash games include an ante
- ✔ Up to five re-entries in most tournaments
- ✔ VPIP stats displayed when hovering over usernames
CONS
- ✖ No multi-tabling (only one table supported)
- ✖ Browser-based software with limited functionality
- ✖ No dedicated mobile or desktop app
- ✖ Poor mobile optimization (small text, clunky betting slider)
- ✖ No tournament filtering by buy-in, prize pool, or name
- ✖ Limited mid-to-high-stakes tournament schedule
- ✖ MTT guarantees lower than other sites (but increasing)
- ✖ No waitlists for cash games
- ✖ No tagging system for player notes
- ✖ Not available in WA, MI, MT, ID
Key Tip for Winning on ClubWPT Gold
To increase your chances of winning on ClubWPT Gold, focus on selecting games with loose and splashy opponents. You can easily identify these players by monitoring the built-in stats for opponents and target players with high VPIP numbers.
VPIP = voluntarily put money into pot. In other words, how many hands you play preflop.
The very short guide to beating these players: tighten your open-raising range and reduce your bluff frequency. If you want deeper strategic advice for winning in loose and splashy games, check out this podcast episode or this article.
Final Verdict: Should You Join ClubWPT Gold?
Despite its shortcomings, which are typical for a newer site in beta mode, ClubWPT Gold is still worth trying. It provides value for new players seeking to learn or play for fun with little to no financial investment, as well as for more experienced players looking for small- to mid-stakes games with chances to win real cash prizes.
The site currently lacks in software and functionality. But it compensates with soft competition. Thanks to its sweepstakes poker model, ClubWPT Gold attracts a high volume of casual and recreational players, making it an entertaining and potentially profitable site for savvy players seeking to capitalize or simply enjoy fun, loose-action poker.
For players looking to check out the action, you can sign up with promo code UPSWING2 today to and earn your place in the 1,000,000 SC freeroll. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rake on ClubWPT Gold?
Here’s the rake structure listed on ClubWPT Gold’s player support documentation as of April 1st, 2025:
What states are eligible to play ClubWPT Gold?
Residents of the following US states with a valid photo ID are eligible to play on ClubWPT Gold:
| ELIGIBLE STATES (AS OF 3/27/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Maine | New Mexico |
| Alaska | Maryland | New York |
| Arizona | Massachusetts | North Carolina |
| Arkansas | Minnesota | North Dakota |
| California | Mississippi | Ohio |
| Colorado | Missouri | Oklahoma |
| Connecticut | Nebraska | Oregon |
| Delaware | Nevada | Pennsylvania |
| Florida | New Hampshire | Rhode Island |
| Georgia | New Jersey | South Carolina |
| Hawaii | New Mexico | South Dakota |
| Illinois | New York | Tennessee |
| Indiana | North Carolina | Texas |
| Iowa | North Dakota | Utah |
| Kansas | Ohio | Virginia |
| Kentucky | Oklahoma | Vermont |
What states are not eligible to play on ClubWPT Gold?
Residents of the following US states are not eligible to play on ClubWPT Gold:
| INELIGIBLE STATES (AS OF 3/27/25) |
| Idaho |
| Michigan |
| Montana |
| Washington |
Can people from outside the USA play on ClubWPT Gold?
No, only residents of the United States of America can play on ClubWPT Gold.
There’s reason to believe Canada could be added to the eligibility list down the road — Canadians were marketed to during a major campaign at the end of 2024.
Because a valid photo ID proving you’re a US resident is required to play on ClubWPT Gold, residents of countries in Europe and Asia are out of luck.
Can you play for real money on ClubWPT Gold?
The short answer is yes.
ClubWPT Gold uses a sweepstakes model that allows players to win real cash prizes using Sweeps Coins (SC). You can redeem SC for U.S. dollars at a 1:1 ratio once you’ve played them at least once.
Can you play for play money on ClubWPT Gold?
Yes. ClubWPT Gold has two modes: Gold Coins (GC), which are for fun/play money, and Sweeps Coins (SC), which are redeemable for cash. GC games are great for casual play or practice.
How do you redeem Sweeps Coins for real money?
Once you’ve wagered your Sweeps Coins at least once, you can redeem them for real cash. The minimum redemption amount is 20 SC. Simply go to the Coin Exchange within ClubWPT Gold to redeem your Sweeps Coins. Redemptions are typically processed back to the card you used to make your initial GC purchase.
Is ClubWPT Gold legal in New York?
Yes. ClubWPT Gold is available to players in New York under sweepstakes gaming laws. You don’t need a traditional gambling license to play since it’s not a real-money site in the traditional sense.
It is possible New York will pass legislation that changes things for players on ClubWPT Gold. But as of March 2025, New York players can log on and play.
Is ClubWPT Gold legal in Texas?
Yes, players in Texas can legally access ClubWPT Gold. The sweepstakes model allows ClubWPT Gold to operate in Texas without violating local gambling laws.
It is possible Texas will pass legislation that changes things for players on ClubWPT Gold. But as of March 2025, Texas players can log on and play.
Is ClubWPT Gold legal in California?
Yes. ClubWPT Gold is fully available to players in California. It’s one of the biggest states for sweepstakes poker, and many players from CA take advantage of the soft games and real cash prizes.
It is possible California will pass legislation that changes things for players on ClubWPT Gold. But as of March 2025, California players can log on and play.
Is ClubWPT Gold legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida players are welcome on ClubWPT Gold. As a sweepstakes-based site, it’s legally accessible across nearly the entire U.S., including Florida.
It is possible Florida will pass legislation that changes things for players on ClubWPT Gold. But as of March 2025, Florida players can log on and play.
How do you sign up for ClubWPT Gold?
To sign up, go to ClubWPTGold.com, enter promo code UPSWING2, and create your account.
Once you purchase a GC package ($19.99 or more), you’ll receive Sweeps Coins and qualify for special freeroll tournaments.
Can you multi-table on ClubWPT Gold?
Not yet. Currently, ClubWPT Gold only allows you to play at one table at a time. Multi-tabling support may be added in the future as the platform evolves.
What poker games can you play on ClubWPT Gold?
ClubWPT Gold currently offers No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games and tournaments. You’ll find both standard two-blind and unique three-blind cash games, plus a growing tournament schedule for Sweeps Coins (redeemable for dollars) and Gold Coins.
How can I contact ClubWPT Gold?
If you need assistance with the site or have questions, go to ClubWPT Gold’s support desk here.
You can quickly get answers to common questions or contact their support team.
Related video: Doug Polk’s Honest Review of ClubWPT Gold
