“Insane” & “Horrific”: Poker Community Outraged Over ClubWPT Gold’s ‘Reveal Hands’ Feature

ClubWPT Gold, a popular poker sweepstakes site in the US, has sparked outrage with its controversial new ‘Reveal Hands’ feature — allowing players to pay to see their opponents’ hole cards after a hand concludes.

A Step Too Far?

The feature, introduced via a slick promo video referencing the infamous Garrett Adelstein controversy, lets players click a ‘Reveal Hands’ button after each hand. For example, with a $4 big blind, you’d pay $12 directly to ClubWPT Gold to see everyone’s cards.

While ClubWPT Gold has a history of stirring the pot — including its headline-grabbing Gold Rush campaign during the World Series of Poker — this latest move has many in the poker world calling foul.

Backlash from Poker Pros

The reaction on social media was swift and overwhelmingly negative.
PokerOrg Player Advisory Board member Matt Berkey condemned the move:

“This is actually sick. A ‘stupid tax’ is fine if it goes to the player… But the site whoring out players’ data, in-game, for an additional idiot tax beyond the already questionably high rake… please do better.”

Six-time WSOP bracelet winner Brian Rast added:

“This is one of the worst ideas I’ve heard in poker… the site monetising revealing cards for their own gain? GTFO.”

Critics argue the feature undermines the integrity of the game, shifts the focus from skill to voyeurism, and commodifies private player data for profit.

PR Stunt or Miscalculation?

Some believe this could be another calculated PR move by ClubWPT Gold, following their “no publicity is bad publicity” playbook. Others warn it could drive away serious players who value fairness over gimmicks.

Interestingly, brand ambassadors Doug Polk and Brad Owen have remained silent on the issue — possibly waiting to see if the company will reverse course.

The Road Ahead

With backlash intensifying, a quick retreat from ClubWPT Gold wouldn’t be surprising. If the outrage persists, the platform may face lasting damage to its credibility within the poker community.

Until then, the debate rages on: Is ‘Reveal Hands’ an innovative monetisation tool, or a dangerous precedent that chips away at the game’s ethics?

FAQs

1. What is the ‘Reveal Hands’ feature on ClubWPT Gold?
It’s a paid option that lets players see everyone’s hole cards after a hand ends, costing a set amount based on the blinds.

2. Why are players upset about it?
Many see it as unethical, claiming it compromises the integrity of the game and unfairly monetises private information.

3. Has ClubWPT Gold responded to the criticism?
As of now, the company hasn’t issued an official response or rollback, but speculation about a possible reversal is growing.

4. Could this feature be banned?
If enough players protest or if gaming regulators intervene, the feature could be removed to preserve fair play standards.