If you've been playing poker for a while, you must have heard the word 'rake' come up every once in a while. But even though many players know about the existence of a house rake, and they even use poker rake calculators – not many understand how things work.
Expanding your poker knowledge is a powerful tool, therefore, learning all about poker rakes is highly important. Are you ready to learn all about rakes in poker?
What is a Poker Rake?
In poker, the rake is a commission fee the poker room (whether it is an online or live venue) charges the players in every game.
Unlike blackjack or roulette, the house (aka the gambling venue) doesn't wager against its own players. Therefore, casinos have to think of another way to generate revenue, which is how the concept of the rake was born.
Is a Poker Rake Legal?
It is only legal for a poker room to take a rake after obtaining the proper gaming license or permit. However, playing without a rake is allowed in most states and countries.
What is the Usual Rake in Online Poker?
Normally, the poker rake ranges from 2.5% to 10% of the pot in each and every hand. Also, most casinos have a maximum amount of cash they are allowed to charge their players.
But when it comes to poker tournaments, the rake can be as high as 15%, but it all depends on the gambling venue that hosts the event.
In the past, major poker pros have debated whether a high poker rake is good or bad. Daniel Negreanu once said: "more rake is better", explaining that high rakes stop pros from playing at the low limits. And while recreational players give more money to the house, it can help keep their bankrolls steady for much longer. Other pros, like Doug Polk, disagreed with Negreanu. You can watch his reaction to Kid Poker's statement here.
How Do You Calculate the Poker Rake?
A lot of thought goes into calculating poker rake limits. It all depends on how high the stakes are, how many players participate in the game, and the predetermined cash limit the casino has set.
Luckily, you don't have to put too much effort into doing the math yourself, as most casinos have a poker rake calculator available to you at all times. You can use this calculator to determine whether placing bets at the casino can be worth your while or not.
What is a Poker Rakeback?
Even though online poker rooms might take a cut of the pot, they don't always keep all that money to themselves. Casinos might sometimes offer Rakeback bonuses, which means that a portion of the rake is re-distributed among dedicated and loyal players.
Casinos that offer that kind of promotion have unique terms and conditions you must meet, so if you ever encounter a poker Rakeback, make sure you know exactly what you have to do to win back some cash.
In Conclusion
Now that you understand what a poker rake is all about, make sure you join a casino that has the lowest rake rates. Use a poker rake calculator to make your decisions and have a spectacular poker session! Are you ready to place some bets and enjoy this casino game online?