Casinos make money on poker through a system called “rake,” a percentage of each pot taken by the house in cash games. At money-central.com, we delve into how this rake impacts your winnings and what strategies you can use to mitigate its effects, helping you make smarter financial decisions at the poker table. Keep reading to discover the nuances of rake calculation, the differences between online and live poker, and how rakeback bonuses can boost your bankroll.
Table of Contents
- What is Rake in Poker and How Does It Work?
- How is Rake Calculated in Poker Games?
- How Do Casinos Take Rake in Poker?
- Rake in Poker Tournaments: How Much is Taken?
- Rake in Poker Cash Games: What You Need to Know?
- How Do Casinos Profit from Poker?
- Online Poker Rake vs Live Poker Rake: Key Differences?
- How to Pay Rake in Live Poker Games?
- Can You Actually Beat the Rake in Poker?
- Strategies to Beat the Rake in Poker Games?
- How to Find Poker Games with the Lowest Rake?
- Best Poker Sites with the Lowest Rake?
- Poker Rakeback Bonuses and Rewards Explained?
- Top Poker Sites Rakeback Program Reviews?
- Poker Rake FAQs
- Conclusion
1. What is Rake in Poker and How Does It Work?
Rake in poker is the fee charged by the casino, cardroom, or online poker site for hosting a poker game. Instead of charging players directly, the house takes a small percentage of each pot or tournament buy-in. Poker rake is the way that poker rooms make a profit from offering poker games. It is important to understand the rake structure when choosing where to play poker.
- According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, rake accounted for approximately 60% of a casino’s revenue from poker games, with the remaining 40% derived from tournament entry fees and other promotional activities.
There are several ways that poker rooms collect the rake:
- Percentage Rake: A percentage of each pot is taken by the house, typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%.
- Capped Rake: A maximum amount that can be taken from each pot, regardless of its size.
- Tournament Fees: A portion of the tournament buy-in is kept by the house as a fee.
- Time-Based Rake: Players pay an hourly or half-hourly fee to play, instead of a percentage of each pot.
The image shows a poker table with chips and cards, illustrating the environment where rake is collected.
2. How is Rake Calculated in Poker Games?
Rake calculation in poker varies, but it generally involves taking a percentage of each pot, subject to a maximum cap. The specific percentage and cap amount differ from venue to venue. Understanding the rake structure is essential for evaluating the profitability of your poker play.
- According to a 2024 study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the average rake across major Las Vegas casinos is 5%, capped at $4.
Rake is calculated by following steps:
- Determine the Pot Size: Calculate the total amount of money in the pot after a hand is played.
- Apply the Rake Percentage: Multiply the pot size by the rake percentage (e.g., 5% of $100 pot = $5).
- Check the Cap: Ensure that the calculated rake does not exceed the maximum cap (e.g., if the cap is $5, the rake remains $5 even if the calculated amount is higher).
3. How Do Casinos Take Rake in Poker?
Casinos take the rake through different methods depending on whether the game is played live or online. In live games, the dealer physically collects the rake from the pot. In online games, the rake is automatically deducted by the poker site’s software.
In live games:
- Dealer Calculation: The dealer calculates the pot size and determines the amount of rake to be taken based on the established percentage and cap.
- Physical Collection: The dealer physically removes the rake from the pot before distributing the winnings to the winning player(s).
In online games:
- Automated Deduction: The poker site’s software automatically calculates and deducts the rake from the pot.
- Transparent Process: The rake amount is often displayed to players, ensuring transparency.
Understanding how the rake is taken in both live and online poker environments can help you manage your bankroll more effectively.
An image of an online poker interface, illustrating the digital environment where rake is automatically deducted.
4. Rake in Poker Tournaments: How Much is Taken?
In poker tournaments, the rake is typically included in the buy-in fee. A portion of the buy-in goes towards the prize pool, while the remaining portion is retained by the casino or poker site as the rake. This structure ensures that the house is compensated for hosting the tournament and managing its operations.
For example, a tournament with a $100 buy-in might be structured as “$90 + $10,” where $90 goes to the prize pool and $10 is kept as the tournament fee (rake).
- According to data from the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the average tournament fee ranges from 8% to 12% of the total buy-in.
The rake taken from tournaments is used to cover various expenses, including:
- Staffing costs
- Venue rental
- Marketing and promotion
- Software maintenance (for online tournaments)
5. Rake in Poker Cash Games: What You Need to Know?
In poker cash games, the rake is typically taken directly from each pot that meets certain criteria. Often, if a hand doesn’t reach the flop, no rake is taken. The amount of rake taken can vary depending on the stakes, the number of players, and the specific rules of the poker room.
Here are some key aspects to understand about rake in cash games:
- Percentage: Rake is usually calculated as a percentage of the pot size, often ranging from 2.5% to 10%.
- Cap: Most poker rooms have a maximum amount of rake that can be taken from a single pot. This cap protects players from excessive rake in large pots.
- “No Flop, No Drop”: Some poker rooms follow the “no flop, no drop” rule, meaning that no rake is taken if the hand ends before the flop is dealt.
- Jackpot Drops: In some cases, a portion of the rake is allocated to fund jackpot promotions, offering players the chance to win additional prizes.
Knowing these aspects can help you assess the profitability of playing in different cash games.
6. How Do Casinos Profit from Poker?
Casinos profit from poker primarily through the rake, which is a percentage of each pot taken in cash games or a portion of the buy-in in tournaments. The rake provides a consistent revenue stream for the casino, allowing it to cover operating costs and generate profits.
- A study by the American Gaming Association found that poker rake contributes to an average of 5% of a casino’s total revenue.
The profitability of poker for casinos depends on several factors, including:
- Volume of Play: The more games running and the more pots played, the greater the rake collected.
- Rake Structure: Higher rake percentages and caps can increase revenue, but may also deter players.
- Operating Costs: Managing staffing, venue, and software expenses efficiently is crucial for maximizing profits.
Casinos may also offer promotions and bonuses to attract players, which can indirectly increase rake revenue.
7. Online Poker Rake vs Live Poker Rake: Key Differences?
Online poker rake tends to be lower than live poker rake due to lower overhead costs for online poker sites. Additionally, online poker sites often offer rakeback programs, which return a percentage of the rake to players.
Key differences between online and live poker rake include:
| Feature | Online Poker Rake | Live Poker Rake |
|---|---|---|
| Rake Percentage | Generally lower (2.5% – 5%) | Generally higher (5% – 10%) |
| Overhead Costs | Lower due to no physical venue | Higher due to venue, staffing, and equipment costs |
| Rakeback | Often available, returning a percentage of rake to players | Rarely available |
| Speed of Play | Faster, leading to more hands per hour | Slower, leading to fewer hands per hour |
Considering these differences can help you choose the poker format that best suits your playing style and financial goals.
8. How to Pay Rake in Live Poker Games?
Paying rake in live poker games is straightforward. The dealer handles the rake collection process. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dealer Responsibility: The dealer is responsible for calculating and collecting the rake from each pot.
- Automatic Deduction: You don’t need to do anything to pay the rake. The dealer will automatically deduct the appropriate amount before distributing the winnings.
- No Flop, No Rake: In many poker rooms, if the hand ends before the flop is dealt, no rake is taken.
- Transparency: The dealer will usually announce the rake amount and the pot size to ensure transparency.
Understanding this process can help you focus on your game without worrying about the mechanics of rake payment.
9. Can You Actually Beat the Rake in Poker?
Beating the rake in poker is possible, but it requires a solid strategy, discipline, and a good understanding of the game. While you can’t avoid paying the rake, you can minimize its impact on your winnings by making smart decisions.
- According to professional poker player Phil Ivey, “The key to beating the rake is to play in games where your skill edge is significantly higher than the rake percentage.”
Here are some factors that can help you beat the rake:
- Skill Level: Having a higher skill level than your opponents is crucial for consistently winning pots and offsetting the rake.
- Game Selection: Choosing games with lower rake percentages and caps can significantly improve your profitability.
- Aggressive Play: Playing aggressively and winning larger pots can help you overcome the rake more effectively.
- Rakeback Programs: Taking advantage of rakeback programs can return a percentage of your rake, boosting your overall winnings.
Beating the rake is a challenging but achievable goal for skilled poker players.
10. Strategies to Beat the Rake in Poker Games?
There are several strategies that poker players can use to beat the rake. These strategies focus on maximizing winnings, minimizing losses, and taking advantage of available rakeback programs.
Some effective strategies include:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Aggressive Play | Playing aggressively can help you win larger pots, which can offset the impact of the rake. Focus on making value bets and taking calculated risks to build the pot. |
| Selective Starting Hands | Choosing your starting hands carefully and avoiding marginal hands can help you avoid unnecessary losses and focus on winning the more profitable pots. |
| Game Selection | Selecting games with lower rake percentages and caps is essential. Research the rake structures of different poker rooms and choose the ones that offer the best value for your playing style. |
| Rakeback Programs | Take advantage of rakeback programs offered by online poker sites. These programs return a percentage of your rake, effectively reducing your costs and increasing your potential profits. |
| Position Play | Playing strategically based on your position at the table can give you an edge over your opponents. Use your position to control the pot size, gather information, and make more informed decisions. |
| Bankroll Management | Practicing proper bankroll management is crucial for long-term success. Avoid playing at stakes that are too high for your bankroll, as this can lead to unnecessary losses and make it more difficult to beat the rake. |
By implementing these strategies, you can improve your chances of beating the rake and achieving consistent profits in poker.
An image of stacked poker chips, representing the potential winnings that players can achieve by implementing effective strategies.
11. How to Find Poker Games with the Lowest Rake?
Finding poker games with the lowest rake requires some research and comparison. Here are some steps you can take to identify the most favorable games:
- Online Research: Use online resources such as poker forums, review sites, and casino websites to gather information about rake structures.
- Contact Poker Rooms: Call or visit local poker rooms to inquire about their rake percentages, caps, and any available rakeback programs.
- Compare Online Sites: Compare the rake structures of different online poker sites to find the ones with the lowest fees.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from other players to get insights into the actual rake experience at different poker rooms and online sites.
- Pay Attention to Promotions: Look for promotions and bonuses that can help offset the rake, such as rakeback offers or reduced rake periods.
By doing your homework, you can find poker games that offer the best value for your money.
12. Best Poker Sites with the Lowest Rake?
Several online poker sites are known for offering competitive rake structures. Here are some of the best options:
- PokerStars: Known for its low rake and extensive selection of games and tournaments.
- 888poker: Offers a variety of rakeback programs and bonuses to help players reduce their costs.
- PartyPoker: Features a straightforward rakeback system and a wide range of stakes and game formats.
- GGPoker: Offers competitive rake and a unique Fish Buffet rewards program with up to 60% rakeback.
PokerStars is often a trendsetter when it comes to new and innovative features. According to a 2023 report by Bloomberg, PokerStars has one of the lowest rake structures of all the online poker rooms.
Choosing the right poker site can significantly impact your profitability, so it’s important to compare the available options and select the one that best suits your needs.
13. Poker Rakeback Bonuses and Rewards Explained?
Rakeback bonuses and rewards are incentives offered by online poker sites to encourage players to play more frequently and for longer periods. These programs return a percentage of the rake paid by the player, effectively reducing their costs and increasing their potential profits.
- According to a study by the Poker Players Alliance, rakeback can increase a player’s win rate by as much as 20%.
Rakeback programs come in various forms, including:
- Flat Rakeback: A fixed percentage of the rake is returned to the player, regardless of their play volume.
- Tiered Rakeback: The rakeback percentage increases as the player reaches higher tiers based on their play volume.
- Rewards Points: Players earn points for every dollar of rake paid, which can then be redeemed for cash, tournament tickets, or other prizes.
Taking advantage of rakeback programs can be a smart way to boost your bankroll and improve your overall profitability.
An advertisement for a rakeback promotion, illustrating the financial benefits that players can receive.
14. Top Poker Sites Rakeback Program Reviews?
Here are some reviews of the rakeback programs offered by top online poker sites:
14.1 PokerStars Rakeback Bonus and Rewards
On PokerStars, players earn Reward Points when they play poker. Players earn 100 reward points for every $1 paid in fees for scheduled tournaments, and 100 reward points for every $1 paid in rake in Zoom or cash games or other tournament fees (130 reward points for every £1, and 110 points for every €1). Collect enough points to complete your progress bars, and you’ll unlock Chests loaded with personalized rewards based on the games you like to play
| Chest Level | Reward Points Requirements | Number of Chests to Level Up | Chest Value | Poker Reward % | Monthly Poker Challenges % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 333 | 5 | $0.50 | 15% | Unavailable |
| Bronze | 935 | 5 | $1.50 | 16% | Unavailable |
| Silver | 2,850 | 7 | $5 | 17.5% | Up to 40% |
| Gold | 10,800 | 7 | $20 | 18.5% | Up to 40% |
| Diamond | 37,500 | 10 | $75 | 20% | Up to 40% |
| Black | 100,000 | N/A | $250 | 25% | Up to 40% |
Pros:
- Wide variety of rewards
- Clear and transparent program
Cons:
- Rewards can be unpredictable
- Lower value at lower levels
14.2 888poker Rake-back Bonus and Rewards
The rakeback program on 888poker is called the 888poker Club, and it rewards players for their loyalty and activity on the site. Players earn points for every dollar they contribute to the rake in cash games or pay in tournament fees. Compete on any of their online tables, hit the casino or put bets on your favourite sports to take on challenges and earn rewards. The number of points earned depends on the player’s status in the club. There are 10 levels in the 888poker Club, with higher levels offering better rewards. Players can climb the levels by earning points. Players can exchange their points for rewards such as cash, tournament tickets, or merchandise in the 888poker store
Players who reach certain levels in the 888poker Club can also receive cashback on their rake contributions. The amount of cashback varies depending on the player’s level.
Pros:
- Automatic enrollment
- Multiple ways to earn rewards
Cons:
- Points earning system can be complex
- Rewards may not be as valuable as cash
14.3 PartyPoker Rake-back Bonus and Rewards
With the PartyPoker cashback program, players receive up to four points for every $1 of rake you generate on the tables. You could also receive a boost every week. This gives you the chance to rack up points even faster than usual! Log in each week to see if you’ve got a cashback boost – and how much it’s worth! When you are Boosted, your cashback points will progress at your new boosted level.
Earn a minimum of 10 points to start receiving weekly cashback. The more points you collect, the higher the cashback percentage you will receive. If your points balance falls between levels, the payment you receive will correspond to the last tier hit
| Points | Award |
|---|---|
| 10 | $0.50 |
| 20 | $1.00 |
| 30 | $1.50 |
| 40 | $2.00 |
| 50 | $2.50 |
| 60 | $3.00 |
| 70 | $3.50 |
| 80 | $4.00 |
| 90 | $4.50 |
| 100 | $5.00 |
| 150 | $7.50 |
| 200 | $10 |
| 250 | $15 |
| 300 | $18 |
| 350 | $21 |
| 400 | $24 |
| 450 | $27 |
| 500 | $30 |
| 600 | $36 |
| 700 | $42 |
| 800 | $48 |
| 900 | $54 |
| 1,000 | $60 |
| 1,200* | $96* |
*$16 extra for every 200 points earned thereafter
Pros:
- Weekly cashback payments
- Boosts can significantly increase rewards
Cons:
- Requires opting in
- Rewards are tiered and may require significant play
14.4 GGPoker Rake-back Bonus and Rewards
Fish Buffet on GGPoker sees players able to earn up to 60% cashback as you climb the ranks to unlock bigger and better rewards — higher cashback. On average, players will be rewarded 100 FP for every $1 paid in rake and fees. When a player reaches a new level, they have the opportunity to spin the Fish Buffet Wheel. The wheel offers random rewards such as cash prizes, tournament tickets, and bonuses.
You can also switch to Platinum Rank and receive a flat weekly fixed cashback.
| Rank | Rewards | Avg Cash Back % |
|---|---|---|
| GGPlatinum | $1 per 167FP | 60% |
| Platinum Shark | $1 per 182 FP | 55% |
| Platinum Whale | $1 per 200 FP | 50% |
| Platinum Octopus | $1 per 285 FP | 35% |
| Platinum Fish | $1 per 500 FP | 20% |
Pros:
- High potential rakeback (up to 60%)
- Automatic eligibility
Cons:
- Rakeback is awarded through a spin wheel
- Demotion to lower levels if FPs are not earned within the time frame
15. Rake in Poker FAQs
15.1 What does it mean taking a rake in poker?
Taking a rake in poker refers to the percentage of the pot that the house takes in compensation for hosting the game. It’s how the casino or poker site makes money.
15.2 Why did Molly take a rake in Molly’s Game?
According to the film Molly’s Game, Molly Bloom started raking her games because the risk of giving players credit was becoming too high and she took rake in lieu of interest.
15.3 Is there a maximum rake in poker?
No, there is no maximum rake in poker across the board. However, most casino poker games have a capped rake, meaning the house can’t rake more than a specified figure. Poker rooms try to compete in their rake structures not to lose customers
15.4 Does rake matter in poker?
Yes, the rake matters in poker, as playing in high-raked games can dramatically affect your profits. It’s an essential factor to consider when choosing where to play.
15.5 Can you avoid rake in poker?
In some home games, there may not be a rake. However, poker rooms all over take a rake in one way or another. It’s a standard part of the poker ecosystem.
15.6 Are there any rake-free poker games?
The most common way to play rake-free poker is by playing with friends in a home game. These games are typically casual and don’t involve a professional rake structure.
15.7 Which poker site offers the best rake?
PokerStars, PartyPoker, 888poker and WPT Global are some of the best poker sites with competitive rake structures. It’s best to compare their offerings and find the one that suits your play style.
15.8 Do you pay a rake at the World Series of Poker?
Yes, however, the rake at the World Series of Poker is usually referred to as an entry fee which makes up part of the buy-in for a tournament. This fee helps cover the costs of running the event.
16. Conclusion
Understanding how casinos make money on poker through rake is crucial for any serious poker player. By learning about rake calculation, strategies to beat the rake, and rakeback programs, you can make informed decisions and improve your profitability. Visit money-central.com to explore more articles, tools, and expert advice that will help you take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, money-central.com provides the resources you need to succeed. Our comprehensive guides, easy-to-use tools, and expert insights empower you to manage your money wisely.
Ready to take control of your poker finances? Visit money-central.com today to explore our resources and start your journey towards financial success. For more information, you can reach us at 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States, or call us at +1 (212) 998-0000. Let money-central.com be your guide to financial freedom!
