What is rakeback in poker

Casino » Blog » What is rakeback in poker

Rakeback is a strategically important tool in the world of poker to improve game efficiency and provide additional financial incentives. The essence of rakeback is that a poker player receives a return of a certain percentage of his or her money spent in the poker room. This tool is actively used by experienced players to turn the returned funds into real winnings at the game table.

Contents:

The main principle of rakeback in the top online casinos is that the poker rooms where users play earn rake, which is a commission charged from each sweat. Although this commission is usually small (on average, 5% in cash games and 10% in tournaments), it can add up to a significant amount over time. Rakeback partially smoothes out the financial burden on the player, providing an opportunity to receive a part of their losses back.

This mutually beneficial agreement provides players with an additional incentive to choose certain poker rooms that offer rakeback. The mutual benefit is that the room increases the loyalty of its customers, and the player, in turn, receives additional financial resources to improve his gaming experience. This mechanism also serves as a financial cushion in difficult periods, such as prolonged bad luck, allowing players to smooth out losses and maintain the stability of their bankroll.

Payout options

Paybacks from poker rooms and affiliates and their partner sites provide players with the opportunity to receive a portion of the fees charged to players. This system of money back, known as rakeback, is becoming one of the most important elements of the strategy to increase profitability in poker and is similar to deposit bonuses in its concept. One of the key factors in maximising rakeback is finding the right deals. A combination of rake races, promotions and VIP bonuses can lead to a return of up to 70% of the total amount of bets placed.

A practical example

20% Gross and 20% Net represent different rakeback systems with distinct differences. In the context of the Net system, the percentage may seem somewhat illusory. Let’s take a look at an example: let’s say that a player has generated $1,000 in rake in a month and received $300 in bonuses from the poker room. Rakeback will be calculated according to the Net system from $700 (1,000 – 300 = 700 X 0.2 = $140), while the Gross system will take into account the entire $1,000 (1,000 x 0.2 = $200). As a result, the ‘net’ 20% of Net Rake will be only 14%. Rakeback percentages are always different and can range from 5% to 60%. Each poker room sets its own unique conditions for calculating and paying out.

On the GGPoker platform, the rakeback system closely interacts with the Fish Buffet loyalty programme. Players occupy a certain level in the system with a corresponding PVI (value index). The relationship is direct: the more a player deposits into the room, the higher his rating and, consequently, the percentage of return. On average, novice players can count on a 15% payout.
The well-known 888poker has a system called 888poker club. To increase the rakeback (which is not great from the very beginning), the platform offers to participate in the casino and place bets. For achievements and activity, players are given ‘gold chips’ in the form of tokens that can be exchanged for prizes or money.
The PokerDom poker room has a unique Time Machine algorithm. There are 8 models of rakeback, and when a new level is reached, the percentage of return increases due to the main and bonuses.

what is rakeback

Calculation models

The choice of a certain mechanism for calculating the rake in poker has a significant impact on the final size of the rakeback, which, in turn, affects the player’s total income. Let’s consider different tactics:

Dealt (even distribution): In this model, the commission is divided evenly among all players at the table. The principle is simple: you get the cards, you pay. However, this model is rarely used due to its unfairness and lack of objectivity.
Simple Contributed (improved even distribution): This is an improved version of Dealt. The commission is taken only from those players who have deposited funds into the bank and is distributed equally between them. This model is controversial and rarely used.
Weight Contributed (proportional distribution): The commission in this variant is divided among all players who have contributed to the bank in proportion to the amount of their investment. The more you deposit, the more goes into the commission, and therefore the higher the return. This system is the most common in poker rooms.
Actual rake: Here, only the winner of the hand pays the commission, and the return is available only to him.
SBR (Source Based Rake): In this case, the commission is divided on the basis of the principle ‘you play with deposit money – you pay more’. Thus, bettors who use a deposit pay a higher rake and receive a smaller return.
TVR (Total Value Rake): Here, the losing player pays more commission to the poker room, but at the same time receives a more significant return. This system uses hand history analysis for calculations.

Source of additional income

A special community of players, known as grinders, strives to make rakeback their main source of income, turning poker into a professional activity. For example, holding more than 2000 SNG $10 + $1 tournaments every month brings grinders a considerable $1000. For both beginners and experienced gamblers, rakeback is a valuable bonus that helps to increase the overall benefit of the game. At low limits, where the stakes are small, the value of this bonus may not be so obvious. For example, getting $15 for $81 rake paid may seem like a small contribution to your overall income.