Every time you sit down at an online poker table, you are paying a hidden cost to playing that hand which is called rake. Most of the time it is a super small amount, and it has taken so that the house makes a little piece of all the hands being played on any given site.
If you are smart you take advantage of the sites offering rakeback because it is essentially free money back to you just for playing. In this update I will explain the ins and outs to how rakeback works and why you need to take advantage of it.
Rakeback Explained
Rakeback in online poker is money you get back from the poker site based on the rake you generate while playing. Basically, the rake is the small fee the poker room takes from cash game pots or tournament entry fees. For example, if I enter a $10 tournament with a $1 fee, that $1 is the rake. Over time, those fees add up, especially if you play a lot of hands or tournaments.
But this is the kicker. Rakeback allows me to earn a percentage of that money back. For example, if I have a 30% deal and I generate $100 in rake during a week or month, I will receive $30 back from the site. It is basically free money back to you just for playing.
Why Is It Important?
If you have played poker long enough then you know that variance and downswings can be brutal. In those tough times seeing a few hundred dollars pop into your account once a week or month can be meaningful. It sort of softens the blow. Plus, every bit adds up when you are playing this game. It does not matter if you are crushing the games you are playing in, you take the free money period.
Types of Rakeback
There are typically a few types depending on the site you are using. Here are the 3 most common I see most of the time.
- Flat Percentage: A fixed % of all rake paid (e.g., 25%) is returned regularly.
- Tiered VIP Systems: Earn more rakeback as you climb loyalty levels based on volume.
- Hybrid Programs: Combine cashback with bonuses, tournament tickets, or loyalty points.
How Its Generally Paid
Okay, the way most site’s structure payouts are typically weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I prefer sites that pay out on a weekly or biweekly basis because it gets some cash flow back into your account. Most sites will pay you out in straight cash to your account or send you crypto. I have also seen free tournament ticket entries done as well.
Once you are paid you do not have to hit any type of wagering requirement or anything like that. The money is yours to do with whatever you want to use it for. If you want to use it towards your poker bankroll and play that is awesome. Or if you need the money for whatever you can simply withdraw it no strings attached. You can find some deals on Pokerstacked.
Tips To Maximize
To maximize rakeback in online poker, I really focus on playing on a regular schedule and choosing games that allow me to put in volume. I honestly enjoy playing 6 max cash games the most. But the more hands or tournaments I play, the more rake I produce, which increases the amount of rakeback I get. Another thing worth paying attention to is the poker site’s VIP or rewards program. Many sites offer extra cashback, bonuses, or leaderboard rewards that can increase total rakeback and really juice you up.
Another tip I follow is selecting games with reasonable rake structures. Lower stakes games with high rake can eat into profits, so I try to balance volume with good game selection. Tracking my results also helps me understand how much rake I am generating each month.
I also make sure I signed up through a proper deal, since some sites only offer the best rewards through specific links. By combining volume, smart game selection, and rewards programs, I can significantly increase the total amount I earn over time.
Pros & Cons
Its kind of funny but there are only pros to getting rakeback. It is not like you must do any unnecessary work except play and put in volume. Since you are already going to be doing that anyways why not take the free money on top. If a site wants to give you a little piece back every week or month just for playing there take it.
I suppose a con would be that there would be wagering requirements to release the funds. But I have never really seen that happen before. Anything is possible, but most sites would rather stay competitive and suck it up to take care of there player base. It is just good business that way and a winning situation for the brand and the player simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to pay rake just for playing poker. But it is just one of those necessary evils we all must deal with. If your smart about where you choose to play you can find different rakeback offers available and weigh the pros and cons to using that site or not.
If you are a bit of a grinder like me and like to put in a lot of volume, then the money you can make on the side just for playing is nothing to be sniffed at. Even if you play low stake games it is common to hit $100 or more back to your account just for playing those sessions.
I would encourage anyone looking to play this game more seriously to really investigate rakeback. It can only help you out during tough times of variance. And if you play enough the amount will start to look meaningful at the end of each week or month depending on how those sites pay out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rakeback in online poker?
Rakeback is a reward that returns a portion of the rake you generate while playing online poker. The rake is the small fee the poker room takes from cash game pots or tournament entry fees. It gives you a percentage of that money back overtime.
How much rakeback can I earn?
The amount depends on the poker site and rewards program. Many players earn anywhere from 10% to 40% rakeback, while high-volume players may earn even more through VIP programs or promotions. It just depends
How is rakeback paid?
Most poker sites pay rakeback weekly or monthly. The money is usually credited directly to my poker account, where I can use it to play or withdraw it depending on the site’s policies.
Do all poker sites offer rakeback?
Not every poker site offers the traditional form, but many provide rewards programs, loyalty points, or cashback systems that work in a similar way.
Do I need to sign up through a special link?
In many cases, yes. Some poker sites only give rakeback if I register through an affiliate link or activate a rewards program when creating my account.
Is rakeback important for poker players?
Yes, especially for regular players. Rakeback reduces the overall cost of playing and can add a steady amount of extra profit each month. Over time, this can make a big difference in long-term results for online poker players.
