Did you know that some online poker sites charge up to 5% rake per hand? For frequent players, this can result in thousands lost over time, making it harder to stay profitable.
But what if you could reduce the impact of rake and keep more of your winnings?
This guide explores how players can counter high rake. We also cover how poker platforms can improve their rake structures and create a more sustainable poker environment.
Why High Rake Is a Problem in Poker (And How to Fix It)
What is Rake in Poker?
Rake is the fee Poker rooms take from each pot or tournament buy-in. Online platforms use it to generate revenue, but high rake can make it nearly impossible for players to win consistently.
The Impact of Rake on Winnings
Example: In a ₹10/₹20 No-Limit Hold’em Cash Game, 5% rake is capped at ₹500 per pot. Approximately 100 hands are played per hour.
If a player wins 10 pots per hour, they could end up paying ₹5,000 per hour in rake, which greatly impacts their profits.
How Players Can Reduce Poker Rake & Improve Profits
Poker players can’t eliminate rake, but they can minimize its impact through smart strategies.
1. Choose Poker Sites with Low Rake
Not all poker rooms charge the same rake. Some have lower rake caps and better rakeback deals than others.
Top Low-Rake Poker Sites (2025)
| Poker Site | Cash Game Rake | Rakeback Available? | Best For? |
| WPT Global | 3%-5% (capped at $3) | Yes (up to 40%) | Low rake & rakeback |
| PokerStars | 3.5%-5% (varies) | Yes (20%-30%) | VIP rewards & global player pool |
| GGPoker/Natural8 | 5% (capped at $5) | Yes (up to 60%) | Rakeback deals via Fish Buffet |
| PartyPoker | 3%-5% (varies) | Yes (up to 40%) | Cashback program based on rake contributions |
| PokerBaazi | 3%-5% (varies) | Yes (varies) | India-based platform with rake rewards |
| Ignition Poker | 5% (capped at $4) | No | Soft player pool |
2. Maximize Profits with Poker Rakeback Offers
Rakeback returns a percentage of rake paid to players, reducing overall costs.
Best Rakeback Deals in 2025:
• GGPoker Fish Buffet: Up to 60% rakeback based on VIP status.
• PartyPoker Cashback Program: Weekly up to 55% rakeback.
Pro Tip: Playing on sites with high rakeback can help offset rake fees significantly.
3. Play at Peak Hours for Softer Player Pools
Recreational players log in during evenings & weekends, creating softer games with lower competition.
Best Peak Hours for Softer Games
• North America: 7 PM – 12 AM (EST)
• Europe: 6 PM – 11 PM (CET)
• Asia: 8 PM – 1 AM (IST)
Pro Tip: Avoid playing weekday mornings—only pros and grinders play during those hours.
4. Adjust Strategy for High-Rake Games
Playing tight-aggressive (TAG) poker helps mitigate rake losses.
Key Adjustments
• Play Tighter Preflop: Avoid marginal hands in high-rake environments.
• Minimize Limping & Small Pots: Win bigger pots to counter rake.
• Target Weak Players Aggressively: Exploit recreational players.
How Poker Platforms Can Improve Rake Policies
Poker sites need players to stay profitable, so reducing rake benefits both operators and the community.
1. Lower Rake in Cash Games to Attract More Players
• WPT Global reduced the room commission from 7% to 5% of the buy-in in 2024, leading to more active tables.
• Sites that charge lower rake tend to have bigger player pools.
Recommendation: Platforms should offer lower rake at micro & low stakes to encourage casual players.
2. Improve Rakeback & Reward Programs
• PartyPoker’s 55% cashback model has led to increased player retention.
• GGPoker’s Fish Buffet system incentivizes long-term play.
Recommendation: Introduce transparent, tiered rakeback rewards to keep players engaged.
3. Increase Tournament Guaranteed Prize Pools (GTD)
More Guaranteed Prize Pools (GTD) = More Players = More Profits for poker sites.
Example:
• PokerStars increases the guaranteed prize pools for its Sunday Million tournaments during special occasions. For instance, the 16th Anniversary event on March 20, 2022, featured a $10 million guarantee, higher than the regular $1 million. Similarly, the 18th Anniversary edition on April 7, 2024, boasted an $8 million guarantee. The upcoming 19th Anniversary event, scheduled for April 6, 2025, offers a $6 million guaranteed prize pool.
Recommendation: Offer bigger GTDs with lower rake entry fees.
4. Introduce Leaderboards & Incentives
Weekly leaderboards with rake race prizes can offset the impact of rake for active players.
Example:
• WPT’s Rake Race leaderboard offers $10,000 in monthly bonuses to high-volume players.
Recommendation: Create weekly & monthly leaderboards to reward top players & grinders.
FAQs
Q. What is rake in online poker?
A: Rake is the small percentage of the pot that the Poker site takes as a fee for hosting games. It varies based on stakes, game type, and platform policies.
Q. How does rake impact poker profitability?
A: Higher rake reduces a player’s win rate, meaning that even skilled players can struggle to make consistent profits if the rake is too high. This is why low-rake sites and rakeback deals are important.
Q. What is rakeback, and how does it help?
A: Rakeback is a reward system where players receive a percentage of the rake they contribute. It helps offset losses and increases long-term profitability. Platforms like GGPoker offer up to 60% rakeback, making them attractive for high-volume players.
Next Steps for Poker Players & Gaming Platforms
The impact of high rake can be frustrating for poker players, but both players and platforms have ways to minimize its effects and create a more balanced ecosystem.
For Players: The best defense against high rake is choosing low-rake poker sites that offer fair pricing and reasonable rake caps. Additionally, taking advantage of rakeback programs can help recover a portion of the fees, increasing overall profitability.
For Platforms: Poker operators must ensure that their rake policies do not discourage long-term player engagement. Offering competitive rakeback programs, fair rake structures, and rewarding VIP systems can help offset rake costs for dedicated players.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such updates from the poker industry.
