GGPoker Reopens the Door to Banned Players with ‘Olive Branch’ Program
GGPoker, the world’s largest online poker site and the international home of the WSOP, is revisiting its stance on lifetime bans – at least for now. Through its new Olive Branch Initiative, the platform is offering previously banned players the opportunity to appeal for reinstatement.
It’s an unusual move – bans for offenses like collusion or real-time assistance are rarely revisited for obvious reasons.
How GGPoker’s Account Reinstatement Program Works
The Olive Branch Initiative invites players who were previously removed from the GGPoker Network for violations like multi-accounting, VPN abuse, or collusion to apply for review.
To be considered, players must email [email protected] by October 1, using the subject line “Olive Branch Application.”
Each application must include:
- GGPoker Network account nickname
- Full legal name
- Recent proof of identity and address
- A selfie holding the ID
- A detailed explanation of why they’re requesting reinstatement
Applicants will receive a decision by November 1, though GGPoker has emphasized that reinstatement is not guaranteed. Cases will be reviewed based on the nature of the original violation, how much time has passed, and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate change.
What the Program Means for Online Poker
This isn’t the first time GGPoker has opened the door to banned players. Similar efforts were made in 2020 and 2022, though the results were never made public.
Although the Olive Branch Initiative opens the door for potential redemption, GGPoker has been clear: the company’s stance on fair play hasn’t changed.
“The Olive Branch Program doesn’t change GGPoker’s fundamental commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fair play and security,” the site stated. “We’ll continue enforcing our Security and Ecology Policy with the same rigor that makes GGPoker trusted worldwide.”
Second chances aren’t easy in a game with integrity at its core – players want to know they’re competing on level ground. Even with strict reviews, bringing banned players back will always raise questions.