What is a poker club?
A poker club is a private community inside a club-based poker app. Unlike regular poker rooms, where you register and pick a table from the lobby, the tables in a club app are set up by each club. You have to join a club before you can see and play its games.
Think of it as an online home game: club managers set up tables, choose the rules and approve members, and players join whichever clubs they like. ClubGG and X-Poker both work this way.
Who does what in a club
| Role | Responsible for |
|---|---|
| Platform | Builds and maintains the app, table software and dealing system, and provides club management tools. |
| Union | Links several clubs to share tables, so players from different clubs can sit together and find games even at quiet times. |
| Club manager | Sets up tables and tournaments, sets blinds and rules, approves applications and handles member issues. |
| Player | Plays in the club after joining, and can join several clubs at once (depending on the app). |
Some apps use a two-tier club and union structure, where several clubs form a union and share tables, so games are usually busier. On apps such as ClubGG and X-Poker, you also need a referrer ID as well as the club ID when you join.
How are club apps different from international poker rooms?
| Compare | Club apps | International poker rooms |
|---|---|---|
| How you join | Enter a club ID and wait for approval | Register and go straight to the lobby |
| Who runs the games | Each club | The site |
| Rules | Set by each club, very flexible | The same rules site-wide |
| Atmosphere | Strong community, familiar faces | Heavy traffic, opponents from around the world |
| Examples | ClubGG, X-Poker | WPT Global, CoinPoker |
Neither is better in every way. If you want private games with friends and a community feel, choose a club app. If you want big tournaments and lots of games at any hour, choose an international poker room. See our poker room guide for a fuller comparison.
How to join a poker club in 5 steps
- 1
- 2
Download from an official source
Download from the App Store, Google Play or the official website. Check the developer is official and never install files from unknown sources.
- 3
Create an account
Register with your phone number or email, set a strong password and complete verification.
- 4
- 5
Apply and wait for approval
On the app's club page, enter the club ID (and referrer ID) and send your application. Once a manager approves it, you will see all of the club's tables.
5 things to look for in a poker club
- Reputation and track record: clubs that have been running longer with a good reputation usually have clearer rules and more experience handling problems.
- How busy the games are: are there enough tables and players at the times you usually play? Clubs in a union are usually busier.
- Transparent rules: are the blind structures, fees and tournament rules clearly published, and do you get clear answers to questions?
- Support response time: can a manager help quickly with disconnections, account issues or disputes over a hand?
- Stakes that suit you: beginners should start at low stakes. Don't jump into high-stakes games just because a club is popular.
Safety tips for joining a club
- Only use the official app: fake install files can steal your account or device information.
- Protect your account: never give your login details to anyone, and turn on any security verification the app offers.
- Watch out for suspicious messages: be wary of private messages from people claiming to be support who ask you to click unknown links or share personal details.
- Set a budget and time limit: decide in advance on an entertainment budget and how long you will play, and stick to it.
- Check your local laws: whether online poker is legal depends on where you live. Follow your local laws.
Popular poker club apps
These are the club-based poker apps PokerIsland covers. Pick one for its download guide and how to join its clubs:
FAQ
FAQ
What is a club ID?
A club ID is the unique code for each club. Enter it in the app to apply to join that club. Club IDs only work on their own app.
Can I join more than one club?
Most club-based apps let one account join several clubs and switch between them. Check the rules on each app.
How long does club approval take?
It depends on the club. Most managers deal with applications quickly. If you are waiting a while, ask through the channel that gave you the ID.
What is the difference between a union and a club?
A club is a single community of players. A union is a shared lobby made up of several clubs, so players from different clubs can sit at the same union tables.
Are club apps good for beginners?
Yes. Club apps usually have low-stakes tables, and once you join it is easy to find regular opponents. Beginners should read the Texas Hold'em rules first, then start small.