If you play online poker, you pay rake—but are you getting the best rakeback in return? With numerous poker platforms offering different rake structures, rakeback deals, and reward programs, it’s crucial to know which one gives you the best return on your investment.
In this guide, we will explore each site’s rake system, rewards programs, and cashback options to help you choose the platform that maximizes your profits.
What is Rake in Poker?
Rake refers to the commission that Poker rooms collect from each pot in cash games or as a fee in tournament entries. Rakeback deals offer players a percentage of the rake paid back, enhancing overall profitability.
Terminology
Here are some key terminologies related to rake in Poker:
Rake Percentage
The percentage of the pot taken as rake by the poker site. This generally ranges between 3% to 5% but varies by site, game type, and stakes.
Rake Cap
The maximum amount of rake a poker site can take from a single hand. This limit ensures that rake does not become excessive in large pots. For example, a $1/$2 NL Hold’em game might have a $3 rake cap.
No Flop, No Drop
A policy where no rake is taken if a hand does not reach the flop. This means if a hand ends preflop (due to a fold or all-in without a call), no rake is deducted.
Rakeback
A system where players receive a portion of the rake they contributed back as cashback or loyalty rewards. Rakeback rates vary by poker site, ranging from 10% to 60%.
Loyalty Program
A rewards system where players earn points based on the rake they
Below are the rake structures and rakeback offerings for the top poker sites in the world:
1. WPT Global
Website: wptglobal.com
WPT Global is part of the World Poker Tour network, offering global poker tournaments and games. It supports a variety of poker variants, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha. The platform charges lower rake, making it an ideal place for poker players.
Rake Structure:
· Rake Percentage: Between 3%-5% per pot.
· Rake Caps: At low stakes (e.g., $0.02/$0.05), the rake cap can be $0.15 per pot.
· Rake Formula: The rake cap increases with the stakes, and for higher-stakes games, it can be adjusted based on the number of players and pot size.
· Rakeback Deals: WPT Global offers up to 40% rakeback based on player activity through its loyalty program. Players accumulate loyalty points as they contribute to rake, and those points can be converted into cashback rewards.
USPs & Loyalty Programs:
· Loyalty Program: The program rewards players with cashback and other perks.
· Exclusive Tournaments: WPT Global hosts numerous events linked to the World Poker Tour, including special promotions with large prize pools.
2. PokerStars
Website: https://www.pokerstars.in/
PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker platform, offering a wide range of poker games and tournaments, from cash games to major events like the PokerStars Championship. It’s known for its large player pool and advanced features that cater to both casual players and professionals.
Rake Structure:
- Rake Percentage: The rake ranges from 3.5%-5% per pot, depending on the stakes and game format.
- Rake Caps: For No Limit Hold’em at NL50 (the small blind is 0.25 (or 0.50) and the big blind is 0.50), the rake cap can be 4 BB.
- Rakeback Deals: PokerStars doesn’t offer traditional rakeback, but players can earn Stars Points through the Stars Rewards program, which can be converted into cashback, tournament tickets, and other rewards.
USPs & Loyalty Programs:
- Stars Rewards: This is a tiered loyalty program that rewards players based on the points accumulated during their play.
- Frequent Promotions & Events: Regular leaderboard promotions, special challenges, and tournaments like Power Up and Spin & Go with high rewards.
3. Partypoker
Website: https://www.partypoker.com/en
Partypoker is a well-established online poker platform offering cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Go formats. It’s known for its focus on recreational players, regular promotions, and leaderboards offering rewards for loyal players.
Rake Structure:
- Rake Percentage: Partypoker generally charges 3%-5% rake per pot.
- Rake Caps: For lower stakes like $0.01/$0.02, the cap can be 0.005 BB; for higher stakes, it increases proportionally.
- Max Rake: The maximum rake charged is up to 5 BB for higher stakes like NL100.
Rakeback Deals:
Partypoker offers up to 40% rakeback through its cashback program, based on the player’s weekly rake contributions. This system allows players to earn cashback directly in their accounts.
USPs & Loyalty Programs:
- Cashback Program: Earn weekly cashback based on the total amount of rake a player contributes.
- Leaderboards & Promotions: Players can participate in weekly and monthly leaderboards to earn tournament tickets, bonus funds, and more.
- VIP Experience: VIP players can receive exclusive benefits like VIP-only promotions, premium customer support, and more.
References:
4. GGPoker/Natural8
Website: https://www.natural8in.com/
GGPoker/Natural8 is part of the GG Network, known for its innovative features and rapid growth in the online poker market. It offers a wide range of poker formats, with a focus on recreational players, offering cashbacks and unique game types like Spin & Gold and All-In or Fold.
Rake Structure:
- Rake Percentage: GGPoker generally takes 5% rake per pot.
- Rake Caps: For lower stakes like $0.05/$0.10, the cap is around $1 per pot.
- Max Rake: As stakes increase, the cap increases accordingly.
Rakeback Deals:
GGPoker offers up to 60% rakeback via the Fish Buffet program. This cashback system calculates actual rakeback across eight levels, each containing over 20 ranks, with different cashback percentages and time limits.
Players can climb the ranks by earning Fish Points (FP).
| Rank | Cashback | Average rakeback | Yearly FP required |
| Platinum Fish | $1 for 500 FP | 20% | not required |
| Platinum Octopus | $1 for 285 FP | 35% | 750К |
| Platinum Whale | $1 for 200 FP | 50% | 1,5M |
| Platinum Shark | $1 for 182 FP | 55% | 3M |
| The Platinum | $1 for 167 FP | 60% | 5M |
USPs & Loyalty Programs:
- Fish Buffet: Players earn loyalty points for every hand they play, which increase as the player level advances, unlocking higher cashback rates.
- EV Cashout: The EV Cashout feature lets players claim the expected value of their hand, regardless of whether they win or lose.
- Regular Tournaments: GGPoker frequently runs major tournaments, including the WSOP Online Series, offering large prize pools.
5. PokerBaazi
Website: https://www.pokerbaazi.com/
PokerBaazi is one of the top online poker platforms in India, providing both cash games and tournaments. It is player-friendly with a variety of low-stakes games and major Indian player representation.
Rake Structure:
- Rake Percentage: The rake percentage is 3%-6% per pot.
- Rake Caps: The rake caps depend on the stakes and the size of the pot, but they are generally lower than international platforms and tailored for the Indian market.
Rakeback Deals
PokerBaazi offers Baazi Points, which players can earn based on rake contributions and can redeem them for cash or tournament tickets. It does not offer traditional rakeback.
USPs & Loyalty Programs:
- Baazi Points: Players earn Baazi Points for rake contributions, and these can be redeemed for rewards.
- Referral Program: Players can earn bonuses by referring friends to the platform.
Poker Sites Comparison Table
| Poker Site | Rake Percentage | Rake Caps | No Flop, No Drop | Rakeback Deals | Max Rakeback |
| WPT Global | 3%-5% | Varies (up to $0.15 at lower stakes) | Yes | Loyalty program with cashback & bonuses | 40% |
| PokerStars | 3.5%-5% | Varies (up to 4BB at NL50) | Yes | VIP program with points redeemable for cashback | 20%-30% |
| GGPoker/Natural8 | 5% | Varies (up to $1 at low stakes) | Yes | Fish Buffet rewards program with cashback | 60% |
| Partypoker | 3%-5% | Varies (0.005 BB at $2, 0.01 BB at $400) | Yes | Cashback program based on rake contributions | 40% |
| PokerBaazi | 3%-5% | Varies (stakes-dependent) | Yes | Rewards program based on rake contributions | Varies (lower rakeback) |
Which Poker Site Offers the Best Rakeback Deals for You?
GGPoker/Natural8 offers up to 60% rakeback via the Fish Buffet loyalty program, making them highly attractive for loyal players. This site is ideal for high-volume players who can climb the ranks and maximize their cashback.
If you are looking for a consistent and easy-to-understand cashback program, Partypoker and WPT Global are excellent choices.
By selecting a poker site with the most favorable rakeback structure, you can reduce costs and keep more of your winnings in the long run.
Keep following PokerProNews for the latest updates on changes in rake structures.
