What is Rake in Poker? Rakeback and Poker Rake Explained
Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and chance, and no matter whether you’re playing online or in person, there are certain elements that you must know. Rake in poker is one of them, as it affects your cost of playing, and therefore, your potential wins. Whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for a while, you can learn what this term means in a few minutes.
In addition to poker rake, you should also learn what rakeback means and how it can benefit you. Seasoned players use these two elements to manage their bankroll and play more effectively. We’ve detailed them both for you, helping you identify the best ways to benefit from rake and rakeback.
What are Poker Rake and Rakeback?
Rake in poker refers to the commission fee taken by a poker room, casino, or online site for hosting a game. This fee allows the operator to cover expenses and remain profitable. As such, understanding what the term means and how it affects you is very important since rake directly impacts your bankroll or earnings.
Typically, when operators are taking a rake in poker, they are allocating a small percentage of the pot in cash games or a portion of the buy-in in tournaments for themselves. The exact method and percentage differ by operator, game format and stakes played. For example, some games apply a fixed cap while others may have no maximum rake limit.
Many poker sites offer rakeback, a bonus where players receive a portion of the poker rake they have contributed. Rakeback works similarly to cashback, reducing the overall cost of playing. Moreover, while high-volume players benefit the most from this reward, it can also be beneficial for casual players loyal to a particular platform.
How is Rake in Poker Calculated and Collected?
Different games and gameplay formats across land-based and online poker sites have different rake structures. The following are the most common methods found in the United Kingdom:
- Pot Rake: A percentage, typically around 5%, is taken from the pot. Pot Rake is normally capped.
- Time Collection: A fixed fee is collected periodically, such as every 30 minutes, from all remaining players at the table.
- Tournament Fees: A portion of the buy-in that’s often presented as a separate figure. A buy-in displayed as £100 + £10, for example, indicates a fee of £10.
- Dead Drops: A fixed rake amount placed into the pot before the hand starts, usually taken from a designated player, such as the button.
What is Rake in Poker Cash Games?
Taking a rake in poker cash games means deducting a percentage from the winning pot. The amount can vary drastically by stakes and operators. In the UK, you might come across a poker room that calls No Flop No Drop as its rake policy. This means that no rake is taken unless the hand sees a flop.
The following table outlines a cash game with a 5% fee and a £3 maximum cap:
| Pot Size | Rake Percentage | Poker Rake | Explanation |
| £50 | 5% | £2.50 | 5% of £50 is £2.50 |
| £100 | 5% | £3.00 | 5% of £100 is £5, but the maximum rake cap is £3 |
| £200 | 5% | £3.00 | 5% of £200 is £10, but the maximum rake cap is £3. |
Helpful Tip: As you can see from the table above, you don’t need a dedicated poker rake calculator to understand the charges involved in participating in cash games. All you need to know is the pot percentage and the maximum cap if there is one.
Rake Meaning in Poker Tournaments
In most online poker tournaments, rake is included in the buy-in. A £50 + £5 tournament buy-in means £50 goes to the prize pool while £5 is collected by the poker room owner. Unlike cash games, the tournament rake is paid upfront and does not affect individual pots.
Poker Rake Comparison Across Different Variants
Oftentimes, the rake meaning in poker varies according to the variation or format.
- No-Limit Hold’em (NLH): Rake is typically percentage-based with a cap per hand. The rake in NLH cash games is often lower than in other variants due to the higher volume of hands played per hour. Moreover, you should always check if the poker room operates a “no flop, no drop” policy.
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO): Omaha tends to have a higher rake than NLH because pots are generally larger. Since more players are involved in multi-way pots, the total rake collected can add up quickly. Some rooms offer lower rake for PLO to balance the higher action.
- Short Deck Hold’em: This variant features a reduced deck, increasing hand strengths and overall faster action. Some poker rooms take rake only when the hand reaches a specific betting round, such as a three-bet or the flop. This can impact profitability depending on the table’s dynamics.
- Fixed-Limit Hold’em (FLH): Rake in FLH is often structured as a fixed percentage with a lower cap than NLH or PLO. Since betting is restricted, the average pot size is smaller, leading to less rake per hand. As such, you should look for tables with lower percentage rake to maximise their profits.
- Sit & Go (SNG) and Spin & Go: These single-table tournaments often have a set fee, typically 5% to 10% of the buy-in. Some online poker sites charge higher rake for hyper-turbo formats where games end quickly.
Live Games vs Online Poker
The rake in poker cash games also varies depending on whether games are hosted in physical poker rooms or online platforms.
| Feature | Live Poker | Online Poker |
| Type of rake | Time-based and pot rake are the most common | Mostly pot rake |
| Rake % | 5% to 10% | 2% to 6% |
| Maximum amount | Higher due to operating costs | Generally lower limits |
| Hands per hour | Fewer due to manual dealing | More due to RNG dealing |
| Rakeback | Rare | Common |
Helpful Tip: Just like top casino sites in the UK, online poker rooms can offer better promotions and faster gameplay through the use of automation. Moreover, they normally tend to have higher traffic volumes, so can lower the percentage rake but collect it from more players than land-based establishments.
Understanding Rakeback and How to Benefit
Rakeback is one of several casino bonuses suitable for poker and is a system whereby you receive a percentage of the rake you have paid. If, for example, you generate £100 in rake and receive a 25% rakeback, you will get £25 back, reducing the overall cost of playing.
Online poker rooms deliver rakeback through one or more of the following promotions:
- Flat Percentage Rakeback: A fixed percentage of rake paid is returned to the player.
- VIP Programs: Players earn points based on the rake they generate, which can be converted into rewards.
- Cashback Promotions: Some sites offer limited-time cashback deals, returning a portion of poker rake over a set period.
Is Poker Rake Legal in the UK?
Yes, poker rake is legal in the United Kingdom, but it is tightly regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC ensures that poker rooms operate fairly and transparently, setting limits on rake to prevent excessive fees. Licensed operators must adhere to responsible gaming practices and disclose rake structures clearly to players.
As with any other type of gambling platform, you should always check if a poker site is licensed by the UKGC before playing. Unregulated sites may have higher rake fees and fewer player protections. Moreover, choosing reputable poker rooms ensures compliance with UK laws and provides a safer gaming environment.
Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Rake in Poker
1. Choose Low-Rake Games
Not all games have the same rake structure. Some online sites offer lower rake percentages or better rakeback deals. Comparing sites and choosing games with smaller rake caps can save you money in the long run.
2. Take Advantage of Rakeback Deals
Many online poker sites offer rakeback programs that return a portion of the rake paid to players. Signing up for these programs helps you offset costs and provides additional value.
3. Opt for Higher Stakes Games if Possible
4. Avoid Turbo and Hyper-Turbo Games
Fast-paced formats such as turbo or hyper-turbo tournaments often come with higher rake percentages. Standard-paced games typically offer better long-term value.
5. Use a Rake Calculator to Plan Sessions
Estimating potential rake expenses before playing allows for better bankroll management. Calculating rake impact per session can guide you in choosing the most profitable tables.
Other Helpful Poker Playing Guides
Understanding poker rake is essential for improving profitability, but mastering the game involves much more. To help expand your poker knowledge, check out these related guides that cover different variants, strategies, and key concepts:
- How to play poker – A great starting point for complete beginners looking to understand the fundamentals of poker.
- Texas Hold’em rules – Master the most popular poker variant with a clear breakdown of its rules and strategies.
- Poker terms – Improve your game by learning essential poker terminology used by experienced players.
- Omaha Poker rules – Learn how to play Omaha, a fast-paced poker variant with bigger hands and more action.
- Poker strategy – Develop winning tactics and improve decision-making skills with essential strategy insights for different poker formats.
- How to play 5 Card Poker – Get a step-by-step guide to playing classic poker formats like 5 Card Stud and 5 Card Draw.
- How to play 3 Card Poker – Discover the rules and strategies for this exciting casino poker variant with simple gameplay and fast action.
Conclusion
Rake is an unavoidable part of community card poker games, but understanding how it works can help you make better decisions. By selecting low-rake games, taking advantage of rakeback offers, and using a rake calculator, you can minimise its impact and improve profitability.
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