What is Rakeback?
The complete guide to poker rakeback. Learn how it works, why it matters, and how to maximize your earnings at every major online poker room in 2026.
First: What is Rake?
Rake is the fee that poker rooms charge for hosting games. It's how they make money. In cash games, the room takes a small percentage from each pot (typically 2.5-5%, capped at $3-$5). In tournaments, the fee is built into the buy-in (e.g., a "$10+$1" tournament has $1 rake).
Cash Games
2.5-5%
per pot, capped at $3-$5
Tournaments
5-15%
of buy-in as entry fee
Sit & Go
7-10%
of buy-in as entry fee
How Rakeback Works
You Play Poker
Every hand you play generates rake. A $1/$2 NL Hold'em pot of $80 generates about $3.50 in rake.
Room Tracks Rake
The poker room tracks exactly how much rake you contribute using the 'dealt' or 'contributed' method.
Rakeback Calculated
Your rakeback percentage is applied to your total rake paid. At 30% rakeback on $1,000 rake = $300 back.
You Get Paid
Rakeback is paid daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the room. Some pay cash, others pay loyalty points.
Rake Calculation Methods
Dealt Method
Rake is divided equally among all players dealt into the hand, regardless of whether they folded preflop or played to showdown.
Example: $4 rake, 6 players dealt = $0.67 rake attributed to each player
Best for: Tight players who fold a lot preflop
Contributed Method
Rake is distributed proportionally based on how much you put in the pot. If you contributed 40% of the pot, you get 40% of the rake attributed to you.
Example: $4 rake, you put in 50% of the pot = $2 rake attributed to you
Best for: Loose/aggressive players who see lots of flops
Why Rakeback Matters
Rakeback is often the difference between a winning and losing poker player. Here's what rakeback means at different volumes:
| Stakes | Monthly Rake | 25% Rakeback | 40% Rakeback | 65% Rakeback | Annual (65%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL10 ($0.05/$0.10) | $150 | $38 | $60 | $98 | $1,170 |
| NL50 ($0.25/$0.50) | $500 | $125 | $200 | $325 | $3,900 |
| NL100 ($0.50/$1.00) | $1,000 | $250 | $400 | $650 | $7,800 |
| NL200 ($1/$2) | $2,000 | $500 | $800 | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| NL500 ($2.50/$5) | $4,000 | $1,000 | $1,600 | $2,600 | $31,200 |
Types of Rakeback Programs
Fixed Rakeback
A fixed percentage of your rake is returned regardless of volume. Simple and predictable.
Examples: Americas Cardroom (27%), Black Chip Poker (27%), CoinPoker (15% base + mining)
Tiered VIP / Loyalty Programs
Your rakeback percentage increases as you play more. Higher tiers unlock better percentages and additional perks like tournament tickets, merchandise, and exclusive events.
Examples: GGPoker Ocean Rewards (24-80%), 888poker Club (4-50%), PokerStars Rewards (15-60%)
Hybrid Programs
Combine a base fixed rakeback with additional volume bonuses, leaderboards, and promotional rewards. The effective rakeback can exceed the headline rate.
Examples: ACR Elite Benefits (27% base + up to 65% total), WPT Global (20-40% + Table Starter Boost)
Rakeback by Poker Room (2026)
| Room | Rakeback | Program Type | Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 100% | Mining + CHP token | Weekly | Maximum rakeback seekers |
| GGPoker | 24-80% | Tiered (Ocean Rewards) | Daily chests | All volume levels |
| ACR | 27-65% | Fixed + Elite Benefits | Weekly/Monthly | US grinders |
| BCP | 27-65% | Fixed + Elite Benefits | Weekly/Monthly | US players (WPN) |
| PokerStars | 15-60% | Tiered (Stars Rewards) | Random chests | High volume pros |
| 888poker | 4-50% | Tiered (888Club) | Weekly | Recreational grinders |
| WPT Global | 20-40% | Tiered + Boost | Weekly | PLO players (30% flat) |
| BetOnline | 10-30% | Tiered (RISE) | Weekly | Sports bettors + poker |
7 Tips to Maximize Your Rakeback
Choose the Right Room
Match your volume level to the room's reward structure. Low volume? Fixed rakeback is better. High volume? Tiered programs pay more.
Use Affiliate Deals
Sign up through affiliate links (like RakebackHQ) for exclusive bonus codes and higher rakeback percentages not available through direct sign-up.
Play at Optimal Times
Softer games mean less rake per dollar won. Play during peak hours (evenings, weekends) when recreational players are online.
Multi-Table Efficiently
More tables = more rake generated = more rakeback. But don't sacrifice win rate for volume. Find your sweet spot.
Complete Bonus Clears
Most rooms offer deposit bonuses that clear as you pay rake. A $600 bonus at 5x clearing rate adds another 20% effective rakeback.
Hit VIP Tier Thresholds
If you're close to the next VIP tier, push to reach it. The jump from 30% to 40% rakeback pays for itself quickly.
Track Everything
Use our rakeback calculator to know exactly what you're earning. Review monthly and switch rooms if your effective rakeback drops.
Calculate Your Rakeback Now
Use our free rakeback calculator to see exactly how much you'll earn at every major poker room. Compare deals, find the best room for your stakes and volume.