What is Rakeback?

Rake is generally around 10% of your poker stake, this is the fee that poker rooms charge you and how they make their income. When using a rakeback provider you will be allowed the luxury of getting some or all of this money returned to you by the poker room. Rakeback deals vary at different poker rooms, however, you can get anything from 20% right up to 100% of your rake returned if you choose the correct deal with a reputable rakeback provider.


There are many online poker players that would not turn a profit without their rakeback, they are known as Rakeback Pros. A rakeback pro may be a losing online poker player, however, when they add the rakeback to their bottom line, they become profitable. Not all online poker rooms offer rakeback, however, so it is up to the individual to choose a poker room suitable to their game play that does offer rakeback.

Why would anyone play online poker without a rakeback deal? Even players who only play occasionally or simply play for fun should arrange a decent rakeback deal, as rakeback is available to anyone opening new account at a online poker room. Playing online poker without a rakeback deal is like walking out of the shop without your change! Why would anyone do that?

Of the few online poker rooms that do not offer rakeback, you will find that most offer a VIP program, this is similar to rakeback, however, generally not so customer friendly. VIP programs generally offer some form of points system and although a few allow the points the be exchanged for cash back, most simply offer merchandise or tournament buy ins.