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Rake in Online Poker Explained: A Complete Guide for Players
What is Rake in Online Poker?
Rake is the fee charged by online poker rooms for hosting games. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the pot in cash games or as part of tournament entry fees. Think of rake as the dealer's tip that you can't skip. Online poker rooms aren't running a charity; they're businesses that need to keep the servers humming and support staff paid. Because they don't have the same physical-property overhead that live cardrooms do, their rake percentages are usually lower than what you'll find in brick-and-mortar casinos.
How Rake Works in Different Game Types
Different poker formats handle rake collection in distinct ways, each with its own structure and impact on your bankroll. Let's see below what the differences are.
Cash Game Rake
The bread and butter of poker-room revenue comes from cash-game rake. Here's how it typically breaks down online:
- Most major sites charge between 3% and 5% of each eligible pot.
- Rake caps usually range from $0.30 at the smallest stakes to $5.00 at the highest commonly offered limits.
- "No flop, no drop": if the hand ends pre-flop, most sites don't take rake.
- A minimum pot size (generally $0.10–$0.50) must be reached before any rake is removed.
| Stakes | % Taken | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | 5% | $0.30 | No flop, no drop |
| $0.05/$0.10 | 5% | $1.00 | — |
| $1/$2 | 4.5% | $3.00 | — |
| $5/$10 | 3.5% | $5.00 | — |
(Exact figures vary by site; check the lobby rules before playing.)
Tournament Rake
Poker tournament rake hits differently. Instead of taking a slice of each pot, poker sites charge an upfront fee for your buy-in. For example, a $10 + $1 tournament means:
- $10 goes to the prize pool
- $1 is the fee (rake)
- Percentage-wise, that's a 9.1% rake (1 ÷ 11), usually rounded and advertised as "10%"
High-stakes events often feature lower effective rake (e.g., $1,000 + $50 is only 4.8%).
Rake Impact on Micro-Stakes Players
Rake disproportionately affects players at the lowest stakes. Let's take a look at what it means for profitability. At $0.01/$0.02 ("2NL"), the cap might be just $0.30, but that still represents 15 big blinds, which can come off several times per orbit. Typical micro-stakes rake burden:
- 8–14 BB/100 hands in total rake paid, according to PokerTracker network averages.
- Around 5% of every qualifying pot once the rake threshold is met
- Proportionally higher than what $5/$10 or $10/$20 players pay (often <3 BB/100)
| Stake Level | Typical Rake % / Cap | Rake Burden (BB/100) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01 / $0.02 (2NL) | ~5% per pot; $0.30 cap | 8–14 BB/100 | Extremely rake-heavy; eats a big chunk of winrate potential |
| $0.05 / $0.10 (10NL) | ~5% per pot; $1 cap | 6–9 BB/100 | Still tough but slightly more manageable than micros |
| $0.50 / $1 (100NL) | ~5% per pot; $3 cap | 3–5 BB/100 | Grinder-friendly; skill edge starts to matter more |
| $5 / $10+ (High Stakes) | ~5% per pot; higher cap, often reduced rake deals | <3 BB/100 | Lowest proportional burden; effective rakeback and VIP deals amplify edge |
Comparing Online Poker Site Rake Structures
Understanding the differences between major poker sites helps you choose the most cost-effective platform for your stakes and playing style. Not all poker sites are created equal when it comes to rake. Here's the current landscape represented by some of our top-reviewed sites:
Pro tip: Lower-stakes players should seek sites with low caps and generous rewards over slightly softer competition. The difference can add multiple BB/100 to their win rate.
Maximizing Rakeback and Rewards
Smart players know that rakeback can turn a break-even game into a profitable one. This section covers proven strategies to maximize your returns through loyalty programs and promotions. Some operators advertise up to 60% effective rakeback when you combine rewards, missions, and poker bonuses, but sustainable everyday figures tend to land in the 20–35% range.
Below are some strategies to get the most rakeback:
- Opt into VIP programs immediately.
- Focus volume on one site to climb reward tiers faster.
- Take advantage of rake races and leaderboards.
- Schedule sessions during double-point or "Happy Hour" promos.
Rake Awareness Separates Winners from Break-Even Players
Understanding rake is all about optimizing your game selection and maximizing your returns. Smart rake management can be the difference between being a winning player and a break-even grinder. You can optimize your efficiency by comparing rates across different online poker sites and calculating your effective rakeback before choosing where to play.
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