Rakeback in Poker Game: Why Does It Matter?

Poker is a game full of rewards, even if you don’t win the pot. Among them, the rakeback is an excellent incentive for players to boost their motivation and continue playing.

Rakeback is a system that pays back players a portion of the rake charged by poker rooms and operators. It helps players save money and enhance their profits.

What is Rake in Poker?

Poker games are hosted or arranged by casinos, clubs, and websites. Each operator incurs costs while offering these games, whether live or online poker.

They need to pay bills and salaries to employees and earn a profit to stay in business.

Rake is the small fee that poker rooms take from each cash game pot or tournament Buy-Ins. Think of it as paying a service charge for a place to play and avail of the services or features of the host or hosting platform.

Without rake, poker sites wouldn’t be able to operate, and there would be no poker action. They also won’t be able to offer promotions, ensure a secure playing environment, or provide discounts.

How does Rakeback Work?

Rakeback is a percentage of the rake players get back from the operator. It can be a specific percentage of the amount you paid while playing poker.

Money earned via rakebacks can add up over time, especially if you play regularly. It is popular among high-volume players because it helps reduce overall poker costs.

Most importantly, rakeback makes the game more profitable in the long run. It’s like a loyalty program — the more you play, the more you get back!

Types of Rakeback Deals

Operators provide a range of rakeback deals, each with unique features and structures. Here are the most common ones:

Flat-Rate Rakeback:

Players get back a fixed percentage of the rake they paid, such as 15% or 20%. This system is simple and predictable, making it popular among regular players.

Imagine you paid ₹100 in rake, and the host offers 10% rakeback. So, you will receive ₹10 in rakeback.

VIP Program Rakeback:

Many online poker platforms offer rakeback through VIP or loyalty programmes. Players earn points based on how much rake they pay.

The rewards increase as players accumulate more points. For example, your rakeback rate rises as you reach higher VIP levels.

Tiered Rakeback System:

In this system, players earn a percentage of rakeback based on their monthly rake contribution. High-volume players generally get better rates.

For example, patrons may receive 10% rakeback for ₹100 in rake. However, rakeback becomes 20% when the rake increases to ₹500.

Similarly, the rakeback may climb to 30% when you pay ₹1,000 in rake.

Contribution-Based Rakeback:

It is also known as “dealt rakeback” or “contributed rakeback.” Players earn rakeback based on their direct contribution to the pot.

More aggressive players benefit the most from this system.

Cashback & Promotions:

Some poker rooms may offer cashback bonuses instead of traditional rakeback. Players receive cashback on deposits, tournament Buy-Ins, or promotional events.

Benefits of Rakeback in Poker

Like a strong poker hand, rakeback can be a game-changer for serious players. Below are a few reasons why rakeback matters:

Increased Profitability:

Every rupee you save on rake adds to your overall winnings. Even break-even players can earn profit through rakeback.

A player paying ₹1,000 rake per month with 30% rakeback receives ₹300 as rakeback. Such amounts can significantly boost a player’s overall bankroll.

Reduces Overall Losses:

Losing seems less painful when you know you’ll get back some money. Rakeback lightens the impact of variance, especially in cash games and tournaments.

Rewards Volume Play:

Rakeback motivates players who play in volume. The more poker hands you play, the more rakeback you earn.

It encourages consistent grinding for online poker pros.

Boosts Player Loyalty:

Rakebacks are excellent ways to reward players and keep them coming back. They build loyalty among patrons and attract more members.

VIP programs with increasing rakeback make long-term play more attractive.

Builds a Stable Bankroll:

Rakeback provides steady earnings even without winning pots. It helps you manage swings and generate money to pay for Buy-Ins or bets.

Encourages High-Stakes Games:

You find it easier to play high-stakes poker games with extra rakeback earnings. The earnings can cover some of your losses and provide the confidence to take calculated risks.

How to Calculate Rakeback?

Calculating rakeback is easier than remembering some poker game rules. Below is a basic formula to find out how much you can expect to get.

Rakeback = Rake paid x Rakeback Percentage

Example:

Let’s say you pay ₹500 in rake in a month, and the platform offers 30% rakeback.

So, rakeback is (₹500 x 30%) or (₹500 x 0.30) = ₹150.

Tiered System Example:

A poker operator offers 20% rakeback for the first ₹1,000 in rake. After that, any additional rake pays you back 30% rakeback.

You pay ₹1,500 in rake in the whole session.

So, your rakeback is (₹1,000 x 20% = ₹200) + (₹500 x 30% = ₹150) = ₹350.

How Rakeback Affects Your Poker Bankroll

Rakeback has a beneficial effect on your bankroll. Here is a look at how it helps:

Offsets Losses:

Poker is a game of variance. Even skilled players experience losing streaks.

Rakebacks can soften the impact of losses by returning a percentage of the rake you paid.

Example:

You lose ₹200 in a session but earn ₹50 in rakeback.

So, your loss comes down to ₹200 – ₹50 = ₹150, making it easier to recover.

Stabilises Your Bankroll:

Steady rakeback can stabilise your bankroll to a great extent, especially for serious players.

Regular rakeback payments are like a safety net. It ensures your bankroll doesn’t deplete too quickly during downswings.

Increasing Profitability Over Time:

Rakeback is like “free money” for playing poker hands. Over time, the amount can add to your bankroll and help you boost your overall win rate.

Helps You Move Up Stakes Faster:

The extra funds from rakeback can help you climb towards high-stakes games quickly. You can aim to earn higher profits instead of grinding longer at lower stakes.

It is easier to take big shots at higher limits with the backing of rakeback.

Also read: Poker Bankroll Management

Impact of Rakeback on Poker Strategy

Rakeback can influence your poker strategy to make the most of the money you get back. Below are a few examples.

Table and Game Selection:

Players may participate in poker games with higher rakeback compared to low-rake counterparts. They may also choose tables with softer opponents but higher rakes as they can earn back more.

However, balance is key, as playing only for rakeback can lead to losing more. Players must consider the win rate first.

Helps Break-Even Players Stay Afloat:

Rakeback provides additional money to turn break-even players into winners. Players can earn rakeback even if they win nothing at the table.

Players may focus on low variance instead of chasing big wins. Moreover, they may avoid high-risk plays, as rakeback provides steady money.

However, it is also necessary to improve skills to avoid stagnation and struggling in tougher games.

Encourages Higher Volume Play:

Many players play more to maximise earnings from rakeback. They may also play at multiple tables at lower stakes.

The playing style can become tighter to reduce variance while increasing the poker hands played.

However, focusing too much on rakeback may cause fatigue, poor decisions, and lower win rates.

Promotes Aggressive Play:

Players can play more aggressively due to the safety net of rakeback. They may go all-in with marginal hands to earn rakebacks, even if they are not fully confident of winning.

Additionally, they may play loose in cash games to increase pots and generate more rake. Another possibility is taking higher variance spots in tournaments.

However, it is never advisable to play recklessly.

Ready to Earn Rakeback?

Rakeback in poker is a percentage of the rake paid back to players. It encourages players to continue their gaming journey and offsets some losses.

The amounts earned back can stabilise the bankroll and improve profitability in the long run. To generate more rakeback, players may take more risks and aim for high-rake games.

If you are a serious poker player, you must understand the nuances of rakeback. This can influence your choice of tables, strategy, and even playing style.

Elevate your Poker journey with the trusted Pocket52 poker app, packed with secure transactions and thrilling challenges.

Also explore:

• Multi Table Poker
• Why is Equity Important in Poker

FAQs on Rakeback in Poker

1. What is rakeback in poker? 

Rakeback in poker is a portion of the rake paid back to players by poker operators. It allows players to regain some of the money they paid to enter a game or pot.

2. Why is rakeback important for poker players? 

Rakeback is important for poker players as it offsets some losses and adds to their bankroll. The money can allow the player to become more profitable over time by playing regularly. Rakeback also reduces the cost of playing poker.

3. What is the average rakeback percentage? 

The average rakeback percentage is 20% to 50%. However, the rate varies across platforms and game formats. Online poker sites can pay back more as they incur less expenses to manage and host games.

4. Does rakeback apply to tournaments? 

Rakebacks apply to tournaments but work differently than cash games. In MTTs, the rakeback is a part of the Buy-In fee. Unlike cash games, rake is not charged on every pot – it is paid upfront for simplicity.