Rakeback is a system in online poker where online poker rooms and casinos provide players with a portion of the rake paid by the players back to their account. This percentage of the rake is returned to the player as a reward for their loyalty and continued play.
The concept emerged in the early 2000s during the online poker boom. Initially, it was offered by third-party affiliates. Poker rooms soon recognized its value and started offering rakeback directly.
In 2006, many major poker sites banned third-party such deals. They introduced their own loyalty programs instead. These programs often included similar rewards for players.
Today, it remains a key feature in online poker. It has evolved into various forms, including instant rewards and tiered loyalty systems.
In cash games, rake is typically a percentage of each pot, usually capped at a maximum amount per hand (e.g., 5% up to $5).
For tournaments, rake is typically incorporated into the buy-in or a percentage of the prize pool. This ensures the poker site earns revenue regardless of the tournament outcome.
Table of Contents
How is rakeback calculated?
While being a winning player is great, having additional rakeback drastically increases your winnings from online poker. We will explain to you the different Calculation methods there are in online poker. You can also use our dedicated rakeback calculator to find the best deals.
Rakeback example calculation
- You play 10,000 hands in a month
- Average rake per hand: $1
- Total rake paid: $10,000
- Rakeback rate: 30%
- Your rakeback: $10,000 * 30% = $3,000
Contributed Rake
Contributed rake calculates rakeback based on the money a player puts into the pot. Players receive a percentage of the rake they contribute. For example, if a player contributes $100 to a pot with $5 rake, and the site offers 30%, they would get ~ $1.50 back.
Dealt Rake
Dealt rake is calculated by the number of hands you are dealt, regardless of how much rake is taken per hand.
Each hand you play counts towards your rakeback, whether the rake on that hand is $0.50 or $5.00. This method benefits online poker players who play many hands, even if the rake per hand is low.
Weighted Contributed Rake
Common rakeback percentages range from 20% to 40%6. Some examples include:
- 30% is good offer
- High-volume players may receive 50% or even more
- Some sites offer tiered percentages, increasing with player activity
What is a Rake Cap?
This only happens if the pot has exceeded a certain size. If not, you won’t be charged. No rake is taken if there is no flop. There is also a cap, which is set by the online poker room or casino.
Types of Rakeback Deals
Rakeback programs come in various forms, each designed to reward players differently. Understanding these types helps you choose the best option for your playing style and goals.
Flat Rakeback
Flat rakeback gives players a fixed percentage of their rake back. For example, a site might offer 30%. If you pay $100 in rake, you get $30 back. Simple and straightforward. No need to worry about playing more to get better rates.
Tier-Based VIP Programs
These programs reward high-volume players. The more you play, the higher your amount. For instance:
- Bronze: 10%
- Silver: 20%
- Gold: 30%
- Platinum: 40%
You move up by generating more rake. Grind hard, get paid more.
Time-Limited Promotions
Poker sites sometimes run special online poker rakeback deals. They might offer 50% for a week. It’s a way to get players excited and playing more. Keep an eye out for these promos – they can be a goldmine.
Affiliate Rakeback Deals
Poker affiliates are like middlemen. They bring players to poker sites. In return, they get a cut of the rake. Some affiliates share this with players. You might get 70% of the affiliate’s rake share. It’s a win-win-win situation.
Reward Point Systems
You earn points as you play. These points work like rakeback. For example:
- 100 points = $1
- You earn 10 points per $1 in rake
- Effectively, this is 10% rakeback
The cool part? You can often use these points for tournament poker entries or merchandise too.
Does Rakeback Help You To Earn Money?
It significantly boosts player win rates. A 30% deal can add about 1BB/100 hands to a player’s winrate. For example, a breakeven player can oftentimes earn a living wage from rakeback alone.
A player winning 2BB/100 hands could increase their winrate to 3BB/100. This extra income can turn marginal winners into solid performers.
Rakeback’s Role in Bankroll Management
It can help players manage their bankrolls more effectively. It provides a consistent income stream, reducing variance. For instance, a player with $1,000 monthly rake could receive $300 back with a 30% deal. This extra money allows players to:
- Move up stakes faster
- Withstand downswings better
- Reinvest in their poker education
Pro players use it to:
- Increase overall profitability
- Offset losses during downswings
- Justify playing more tables simultaneously
For example, a pro playing 12 poker tables with a 1BB/100 win rate plus 1BB/100 from rakeback can match the profits of playing 6 tables at 3BB/1004. This allows pros to maximize volume and earnings.
It is crucial for long-term sustainability in online poker. It turns break-even players into winners and boosts the income of winning players significantly
Rakeback Deals from Major Poker Sites
Major poker sites provide you with highly appealing deals, which we will explain to you.
| Poker Site | Percentage | Terms |
| CoinPoker | 33% | Flat rate, requires CHP balance, paid weekly |
| WPT Global | 20% – 40% | Based on table stakes, paid weekly |
| GGPoker | 20% – 60% | Fish Buffet system |
| Americas Cardroom | 27% flat or Elite Benefits | Choice between flat rate or loyalty program |
CoinPoker
CoinPoker offers a straightforward 33% rakeback deal. Players must have a CHP balance to receive it. The money is paid weekly on Mondays. CoinPoker uses blockchain technology for secure transactions and offers games in USDT to avoid volatility.
Find out more about CoinPoker in our in-depth VIP-Grinders CoinPoker review.
WPT Global Poker
WPT Global introduced the “Table Starter Boost” promotion. Players get cashback for starting empty cash game tables:
- 40% for high stakes tables (minimum $25/50/100 or 100/200/400 CNY NLHE, $25/50 PLO, 200 CNY SD)
- 20% for mid, low, and micro stakes tables
It applies to the entire session, with breaks up to 5 minutes allowed. Payments are made every Monday at 2 PM CET.
Get more details about WPT in our WPT Global review.
GGPoker
GGPoker provides so-called cashback ranging from 20% up to 60%. The site is known for high traffic and regular promotions. GGPoker uses a Fish Buffet system with frequent promotions such as rake races.
Get all the details in our GGPoker review.
Americas Cardroom
Americas Cardroom offers two rakeback options:
- 27% flat
- Elite Benefits loyalty program
The site provides a 100% bonus up to $2,000 for new players. Find out more about Americas Cardroom in our ACR review.
Strategies for Maximizing Rakeback Benefits
Maximizing your rakeback benefits can significantly enhance your online poker profitability. Here are effective strategies to help you get the most out of your cashback programs.
Choosing the Right Poker Site
Pick poker sites with high percentages. Match the site’s terms to your playing style. Consider these factors:
- Rakeback percentage
- Payment frequency
- Game variety
- Traffic levels
Example: If you play high volume, choose a site with weekly payments and a flat rate like CoinPoker’s 33%.
Understanding VIP Programs and Tiers
VIP programs and tiered systems reward players based on their monthly rake contributions. By participating in these programs, you can unlock higher rates and additional rewards. Here’s how to make the most of VIP programs:
- Track Your Progress: Monitor your rake contributions to know when you move up tiers.
- Meet Requirements: Play enough to reach higher tiers, which offer better percentages.
- Leverage Rewards: Take advantage of extra perks like exclusive bonuses, freerolls, and enhanced support available to VIP members.
Our Tip: Some sites offer up to 60% cashback for top-tier players. Check GGPoker’s Fish Buffet system for details.
Volume vs. Rakeback Percentage: Finding the Balance
Balance your play volume with rates:
- High volume + lower percentage: Good for grinders
- Low volume + higher percentage: Better for casual players
Do the math: 100 hands at 40% might beat 1000 hands at 20%.
Multi-tabling Strategies for Increased Rakeback
Multi-tabling boosts your earnings. Try these tips:
- Start with 2–4 tables
- Use a HUD for quicker decisions
- Play similar stake levels across tables
- Gradually increase table count as you improve
Warning: Don’t sacrifice win rate for volume. Quality play matters.
Optimizing the amount of rake you pay
Maximize earnings during special promos:
- Follow poker sites on social media for alerts
- Plan your sessions around “Happy Hours” with boosted percentages
- Participate in leaderboard races for extra revenue
Example: WPT Global’s “Table Starter Boost” offers 40% for starting high-stakes tables.
Rakeback vs. Poker Bonuses
Rakeback is a popular feature in online poker, but several myths and misunderstandings surround it. Rakeback and poker bonuses are often confused, but they serve different purposes:
| Rakeback | Poker Bonuses |
| You receive a percentage of the rake you pay continuously. | Rewards you earn by meeting specific requirements. |
| The more rake you contribute, the more you earn. | You might need to deposit money to qualify. |
| Depending on the site and your play volume. | Bonuses are usually unlocked as you play more. |
| Regular payouts based on your rake contributions. | A $1,000 bonus might require playing 10,000 hands or more to clear. |
Rakeback comes from the fees you pay during play, while bonuses are funded by the poker site as incentives.
Cashback is an ongoing benefit based on your play, whereas bonuses are often one-time rewards.
Rakeback directly reduces your playing costs, while bonuses can be used to enter tournaments or increase your bankroll.
Our Tip: poker sites usually run lots of promotions. We are constantly checking new offers for you and recommend making use of our exclusive poker bonus codes to claim the juiciest bonuses.
The Myth of “Rakeback Pros”
Some think certain players only care about maximizing cashback, hurting their poker skills. Let’s bust this myth:
- Smart players use cashback to boost profits, but still focus on playing well.
- Good poker skills matter most. Bad players lose money, even with rewards.
- More hands don’t always mean more profit. Losing 100 tables is worse than winning.
- Rewards enhance earnings but don’t replace winning at the tables.
Reality: Most profitable players integrate rakeback into their overall strategy, using it to boost their income while maintaining strong gameplay.
Top players blend rewards into their strategy, boosting income while staying sharp. A 5% winner with 30% cashback beats a breakeven player with 50%. It’s a tool, not a job.
C. Rakeback and Game Integrity
Some worry rewards harm fair play. Here’s why that’s wrong:
- Rewards don’t change game outcomes. They’re based on fees, not how you play.
- They encourage consistent play and loyalty.
- Legit sites have clear, regulated systems.
- The house cut stays the same, with or without rewards.
Fact: Poker sites made $5.2 billion in 2022. Rewards didn’t kill the industry. They just thank regular players without messing with fairness.
Conclusion: Rewards do not affect how games are played or their outcomes. It is simply a way to reward players for their participation and loyalty without compromising the integrity of the poker games.
Rakeback and Poker Strategy
Returns can shape how you approach your poker game. Here’s how to use them to enhance your strategy without compromising your play.
How It Influences Game Selection
Returns change how you choose your games. Here’s the deal:
- Higher Stakes = More Rake = More Returns: Playing higher stakes games usually generates more rake, leading to higher returns. For example, playing $1/$2 with 30% returns instead of $0.50/$1 with 20% can make you more money, even if you’re breaking even.
- Game Tightness: Tight games generate less rake because fewer hands are played. Playing tight might make you miss out on opportunities to earn more.
- Game Looseness: Loose games with many pots generate more rake. Active play means more rake collected, increasing your returns.
Smart Move: Choose $1/$2 games with higher return rates to maximize your earnings over lower stakes with lower returns.
Adjusting Your Play Style to Maximize Rakeback
Want more rakeback? Try these tricks:
- Play More Hands: Increase your VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot) from 20% to 25%. Playing more hands generates more rake, leading to higher cashback.
- Call More River Bets: Each call on the river generates rake, boosting your cashback.
- Straddle Occasionally: Straddling can create bigger pots, which means more rake and more returns.
Warning: Don’t be an idiot. Playing bad just to generate cashback will cost you more than you gain. Focus on playing strong hands and making smart moves to ensure your efforts are profitable.
Balancing Cashback Hunting with Skill Development
Cashback is nice, but skill pays the bills. Here’s how to balance:
- Spend 80% of Your Time Improving: Focus the majority of your efforts on honing your poker skills while using strategies to boost your earnings.
- Use cashback as a Bankroll Booster: Treat it as a way to enhance your bankroll, not as your main source of income.
- Study One Hour for Every Four Hours You Play: Allocate time to study strategy, analyze hands, and practice regularly to improve your game.
- Real Talk: A 5bb/100 winner at NL500 makes way more than a cashback grinder at NL50. Focus on improving your skills to maximize long-term profitability.
- Pro Tip: Use it to move up in stakes. As you move to higher stakes, focus on crushing those games with your improved skills.
The Debate: Is Rakeback Good for Poker?
Let’s break down the arguments for and against rakeback and see how it fits into the bigger picture of online poker.
| Pro | Contra |
| ✅Players receive a portion of the rake, increasing their earnings | ❌Creates an imbalance favoring high-volume players |
| ✅Boosts player profitability and loyalty | ❌Hurts casual players who don’t generate enough rake |
| ✅Sites benefit from increased player activity and retention | ❌It can cut into site profits, limiting improvements |
| ✅Attracts new players with competitive offers | |
| ✅Bankroll boost for new players helps them stay in the game longer |
Balancing Player Incentives with Poker Ecosystem Health
To ensure rakeback programs benefit everyone without harming the poker ecosystem, poker sites and players need to find a balance:
- Fair Policies: Sites should offer transparent and fair terms that reward genuine play without encouraging irresponsible behavior. Clear rules help maintain trust and integrity.
- Cap Percentages: Limiting it to 30-40% prevents sites from offering excessively high rates that could undermine their profitability and sustainability.
- Offer Cashback to All Players: Providing cashback to all players, not just high-volume grinders, promotes fairness and inclusivity. This approach ensures that both casual players and grinders benefit.
- Mix it with Other Rewards: Combining cashback with other rewards like bonuses, loyalty points, and tournament entries caters to different player preferences and prevents over-reliance on any single incentive.
- Encourage Skill Development: Sites should promote skill development alongside cashback programs. Players should focus on improving their poker skills to ensure long-term success and maintain game integrity.
- Time-Based Cashback: Implementing time-based rewards playing activity, not just raking, can encourage consistent and responsible play.
- Regular Reviews and Adjustments: Poker sites should regularly review and adjust their systems based on player feedback and industry trends to ensure they remain fair and effective.
Smart Move: GGPoker’s Fish Buffet system rewards all players and scales with volume, providing a balanced approach that benefits both casual players and grinders.
Bottom Line: Rakeback can be good for poker if done right. It needs to help everyone, not just the pros. A healthy poker ecosystem needs both fish and sharks, and cashback should feed both without disrupting game fairness.
Conclusion
Rakeback is free money, plain and simple. It’s a chunk of the rake you pay back in your pocket. We’re talking anywhere from 10% to 60% of what you’ve already spent. Sites like CoinPoker offer a flat 33%, while GGPoker can go up to 60% if you’re a high roller.
Now, why should you give a damn about it? Because it’s the difference between breaking even and turning a profit. A mediocre player with good cashback can outperform a slightly better player who ignores it. It’s like getting paid to play poker.
But here’s the kicker – cashback isn’t a magic bullet. It’s a tool, not a strategy. Don’t be that guy who plays like crap just to generate rake. That’s a one-way ticket to Brokeville.
Instead, use it to boost your game. Pick sites with good deals, sure, but don’t forget to actually improve your skills. Use that extra cash to move up in stakes or pad your bankroll. Don’t ignore game selection just because a site has great cashback.
