diff --git a/evennia/contrib/gamedir_client/service.py b/evennia/contrib/gamedir_client/service.py
index 16692606c8..36c6d2a306 100644
--- a/evennia/contrib/gamedir_client/service.py
+++ b/evennia/contrib/gamedir_client/service.py
@@ -1,12 +1,16 @@
-from twisted.application.service import Service
+from twisted.internet import reactor
 from twisted.internet.task import LoopingCall
+from twisted.application.service import Service
 
 from evennia.contrib.gamedir_client.client import EvenniaGameDirClient
 from evennia.utils import logger
 
+# How many seconds to wait before triggering the first EGD check-in.
+_FIRST_UPDATE_DELAY = 10
 # How often to sync to the server
 _CLIENT_UPDATE_RATE = 60 * 30
 
+
 class EvenniaGameDirService(Service):
     """
     Twisted Service that contains a LoopingCall for sending details on a
@@ -22,7 +26,11 @@ class EvenniaGameDirService(Service):
     def startService(self):
         super(EvenniaGameDirService, self).startService()
         # TODO: Check to make sure that the client is configured.
-        self.loop.start(_CLIENT_UPDATE_RATE)
+        # Start the loop, but only after a short delay. This allows the
+        # portal and the server time to sync up as far as total player counts.
+        # Prevents always reporting a count of 0.
+        reactor.callLater(
+            _FIRST_UPDATE_DELAY, self.loop.start, _CLIENT_UPDATE_RATE)
 
     def stopService(self):
         if self.running == 0: