How Rakeback Actually Works: A Complete Guide
Confused about rakeback, VIP programs, and loyalty rewards? This guide explains every type of poker rewards program and how to maximize them.
What Is Rake?
Rake is the poker room's commission — a small percentage taken from each pot. Typically 3-5% of the pot, capped at $1-$5 depending on stakes. This is how poker rooms make money.
What Is Rakeback?
Rakeback is money returned to you from the rake you paid. If you pay $1,000 in rake and have 50% rakeback, you get $500 back. It's literally free money for playing poker.
Types of Rakeback Systems
Flat Rakeback
The simplest model. You get a fixed percentage of your rake back, typically 15-35%. CoinPoker offers 15% flat rakeback paid weekly in USDT — predictable and transparent.
Tiered VIP Programs
Most major rooms use a tiered system where your rakeback percentage increases with volume. GGPoker's Ocean Rewards goes from 24% (Bronze) up to 80% (Diamond Black).
Dealt vs. Contributed Rake
- Dealt Rake — Rake is split equally among all players dealt a hand, regardless of whether they played the pot. Benefits tight players.
- Contributed Rake — Only players who put money in the pot earn rakeback proportional to their contribution. Benefits loose/aggressive players.
- Weighted Contributed — Same as contributed but weighted by how much you put in. The standard on most modern sites.
- PVI (Player Value Index) — GGPoker's system that factors in game type, stakes, and overall play patterns. Opaque but potentially more generous for high-volume players.
Maximizing Your Rakeback
- Choose the right room for your volume — Low volume? Flat rakeback (CoinPoker). High volume? Tiered programs (GGPoker, ACR).
- Play enough to hit tier thresholds — If you're 90% of the way to the next VIP tier, play a few extra hours. The rakeback jump is worth it.
- Multi-table — More tables = more rake paid = more rakeback earned. Find the sweet spot where your win rate doesn't suffer.
- Factor rakeback into game selection — A room with higher rakeback can make marginal games profitable.
Use our Rakeback Calculator to compare your exact earnings across 8 rooms based on your volume and game type.
Put This Into Practice
Start Earning More Rakeback Today
Our top-rated rooms offer up to 80% rakeback. Don't leave money on the table.