If you’ve ever played poker online or in a casino, you might have heard the term “rakeback.” But what does it mean, and how does it affect your poker experience? In this article, we’ll explain rakeback in the simplest way possible, so you can understand its importance and how it benefits you as a poker player.
What is Rake?
Before we dive into rakeback, it’s important to understand what “rake” means.
In poker, rake is the small fee that poker rooms (whether online or in casinos) charge for hosting games. This fee is usually taken as a percentage of the pot in cash games or as a portion of the buy-in fee in tournaments. It’s how poker rooms make money and keep the games running.
For example:
- If there’s $100 in the pot during a cash game, the poker room might take $5 as rake. This is their profit for hosting the game.
What is Rakeback?
Now that you know what rake is, rakeback simply means getting a portion of that rake back. In other words, it’s a cashback system for poker players. When you play poker, some of the money taken as rake is returned to you, usually as a percentage of the total rake you contributed.
For example:
- If you paid $100 in rake over a week and the poker site offers 30% rakeback, you would get $30 back.
It’s a reward for being a regular player and can help reduce your overall expenses in the game.
How Does Rakeback Work?
Rakeback is offered by many online poker sites as a way to attract and retain players. Here’s how it usually works:
- Play Poker: You participate in cash games or tournaments as usual.
- Rake is Collected: The poker room takes a percentage of the pot or a tournament fee as rake.
- Track Your Rake Contribution: The site keeps track of how much rake you contribute while playing.
- Receive Rakeback: At the end of a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly), the site calculates your rakeback and deposits it into your account.
Rakeback can be paid as real money or poker credits, depending on the poker room.
Types of Rakeback Deals
There are a few common types of rakeback deals offered by poker rooms:
Flat Rakeback Percentage
This is the most straightforward type of rakeback. You get a fixed percentage of the rake you paid. For example, a poker room might offer 20% or 30% rakeback.
VIP or Loyalty Programs
Some poker sites don’t offer flat rakeback but instead have a VIP or loyalty program. The more you play, the more points you earn, which can be redeemed for cash, tournament tickets, or other rewards. This system essentially works as a form of rakeback.
Rake Races or Promotions
Some poker rooms offer rakeback through special promotions, such as rake races. In these events, players who generate the most rake during a specific time period win cash prizes or other rewards.
Why is Rakeback Important?
For serious poker players, rakeback can make a big difference in their profits. Here’s why:
- Reduces Costs
Since rake is a cost you have to pay to play poker, rakeback helps offset this expense. It’s especially helpful for players who play a lot of games, as the rake can add up over time. - Increases Your Winnings
Even if you’re a break-even player (someone who doesn’t win or lose much overall), rakeback can turn you into a profitable player. It provides an extra income stream that adds to your winnings. - Encourages More Play
Rakeback rewards you for playing more hands or participating in more tournaments. It’s a great incentive for regular players.
How Much Can You Earn Through Rakeback?
The amount of rakeback you can earn depends on several factors, including:
- Your Playing Volume: The more games you play, the more rake you generate, and the higher your rakeback will be.
- Rakeback Percentage: Higher rakeback percentages mean more money back in your account.
- Game Type: Cash games usually generate more rake than tournaments, so cash game players might earn more rakeback.
Example Calculation:
- Suppose you generate $500 in rake in a month.
- If your rakeback deal offers 30%, you’ll receive $150 in rakeback.
- Over a year, that would amount to $1,800, which is a significant boost to your poker earnings.
Who Benefits Most from Rakeback?
Rakeback is beneficial for all types of poker players, but it’s especially valuable for:
- High-Volume Players: Players who spend many hours at the tables generate a lot of rake. Rakeback can significantly increase their overall profits.
- Break-Even Players: Players who don’t win big but play consistently can still make money through rakeback.
- Cash Game Players: Cash games usually involve higher rake contributions, making rakeback more valuable for these players compared to tournament players.
Rakeback in Online Poker vs. Live Poker
While rakeback is more common in online poker, some live poker rooms also offer similar rewards. Here’s how they compare:
- Online Poker
- Rakeback is usually a standard feature on most poker sites.
- Players can track their rake and rakeback earnings easily.
- Offers higher percentages (20%-50%).
- Live Poker
- Some live poker rooms offer loyalty programs, which work like rakeback.
- Rakeback percentages are generally lower than online.
- Not as widely available as online poker.
How to Get the Best Rakeback Deals
If you’re interested in earning rakeback, here are some tips to find the best deals:
Choose Poker Sites with Rakeback
Research poker sites and choose one that offers a good rakeback percentage or loyalty program. Popular sites like GGPoker, partypoker, and PokerStars have excellent rakeback systems.
Sign Up Through Affiliates
Some affiliate websites offer exclusive rakeback deals for players who sign up through their links. These deals often provide higher percentages than standard offers.
Compare Offers
Not all poker rooms offer the same rakeback percentages. Compare different sites to find the one that gives you the most value for your play.
Participate in Promotions
Take advantage of rake races, leaderboards, and other promotions to maximise your rakeback earnings.
Potential Downsides of Rakeback
While rakeback is beneficial, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Encourages Overplaying: Some players might feel pressured to play more just to earn rakeback, which can lead to burnout or poor decisions.
- Lower Rakeback Percentages: Some poker rooms offer very low rakeback percentages, which might not make a big difference.
- Terms and Conditions: Always read the terms of rakeback deals, as some sites may have restrictions or minimum requirements.
Rakeback vs. No Rakeback: A Comparison
Let’s compare the difference between playing with and without rakeback.
Scenario 1: Without Rakeback
- You play 1,000 cash game hands in a month and generate $300 in rake.
- You receive no cashback and lose that $300 to the poker room.
Scenario 2: With 30% Rakeback
- You play the same 1,000 hands and generate $300 in rake.
- You get $90 back as rakeback, reducing your overall cost to $210.
- Over time, this adds up and improves your profitability.
Conclusion: Why Rakeback Matters
Rakeback is a simple but effective way to earn extra money while playing poker. It’s essentially a reward for playing more games and contributing to the poker ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual player or a high-stakes grinder, rakeback can significantly reduce your costs and increase your overall earnings.
By understanding how rakeback works and finding the best deals, you can turn poker into a more profitable and enjoyable experience. So, next time you sit down at the table, remember to check if rakeback is available—it might just be the boost you need to succeed.