Many poker players in the UK understand the thrill of the game, but few are aware of the subtle costs that impact every hand. In 2025, as online poker continues to grow and live poker rooms expand across the country, one hidden fee consistently affects players’ winnings, the rake.
The rake is a small but significant commission that casinos and poker platforms collect from each hand or tournament. While it may seem minor at first glance, this fee adds up over time and plays a major role in determining your profit margins as a poker player.
What players need to know:
- Rake is usually a percentage of the pot or a set fee
- It varies between online and live games
- Some platforms offer rakeback to refund a portion of these fees
- Certain rooms now promote rake-free poker to attract players
This guide breaks down what rake is, how it’s applied in different poker formats, and how UK players can navigate or even reduce its impact in 2025.
What Is a Rake in Poker?
Rake is the commission fee charged by a poker room for hosting the game. It’s the house’s way of generating revenue in a player-versus-player environment where it doesn’t bet against participants, unlike games such as blackjack or roulette.
In cash games, rake is typically a small percentage taken from the pot after each hand. This usually ranges between 2.5% and 10%, with a cap to prevent excessive deductions.
In tournaments, the rake is embedded in the buy-in as a fixed entry fee. For instance, a £50+£5 tournament indicates that £5 goes to the house.
Rake serves as the financial backbone of both online and brick-and-mortar establishments, covering operational expenses such as:
- Dealer salaries and support staff in live venues
- Software development and maintenance in online rooms
- Customer support and player incentives
The structure of rake varies depending on the game type, location, and stakes. UK players should always check the rake policy of the platform or cardroom they’re playing at, as it can impact long-term results more than expected.
How Do Casinos and Online Poker Rooms Take a Rake?
Poker rooms employ several methods to collect rake. These mechanisms are often tailored to the game format and stakes. In 2025, UK and global poker operators rely on the following major rake systems:
Pot Rake
This is the most common method, especially in online and low-stakes live cash games. A set percentage of the final pot is taken after the hand concludes, typically ranging from 2.5% to 5%, up to a capped amount.
Dead Drop
Here, a fixed rake is collected before cards are dealt. The player on the dealer button pays the fee, which is then removed by the dealer. It’s less common in the UK but still used in select venues.
Time Collection
Common in higher-stakes games, players pay a fixed amount at timed intervals (e.g. every 30 minutes). This can be structured in two ways:
- Player Time: Each player pays individually
- Time Pot: A fixed amount is taken from the first sizeable pot after the timer starts
Fixed Fee per Hand
Rather than a percentage, some games charge a constant amount per hand. This simplifies calculations but can be expensive in small pots.
Tournament Fees
In MTTs or Sit & Go’s, the rake is included in the buy-in. A £100+£10 event, for example, means £10 goes to the house while £100 contributes to the prize pool.
Subscription-Based Rake
Some online poker rooms are exploring subscription models where players pay a monthly fee for access to rake-free games. This model is still niche but gaining attention in 2025.
| Rake Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pot Rake | % of pot, capped | Online and live cash games |
| Dead Drop | Fixed fee per hand | Some live games |
| Time Collection | Set fee over time | High-stakes live games |
| Fixed Per Hand | Constant amount per hand | Some online poker formats |
| Tournament Fee | Included in entry | All online and live MTTs |
| Subscription | Monthly fee for rake-free play | Niche online platforms |
Why Does the Rake Matter in Poker Strategy?
For serious players, rake isn’t just a fee, it’s a critical element of long-term strategy. Whether you’re grinding micro-stakes or playing mid-stakes cash games, the rake affects your win rate, return on investment (ROI), and edge over opponents.
Here’s how it matters:
- Reduces Profit Margins: Even if you’re beating opponents consistently, a high rake can swallow most of your earnings.
- Higher Volatility: With more taken out of each pot, you’ll experience greater variance.
- Strategic Adjustments: Some players adopt tighter or more aggressive strategies to counteract high rake structures.
- Game Selection: Professionals often select tables based on rake conditions, preferring lower-rake environments for sustainable profits.
Rake is especially significant at lower stakes where win rates are slimmer. Players often underestimate the compound effect of rake over thousands of hands, but those who factor it into their strategy stay profitable longer.
What’s the Difference Between Rake in Live Poker and Online Poker?
In the UK, both live and online poker are popular, but rake collection methods vary significantly.
Live Poker Rake
- Usually collected manually by the dealer
- Higher in percentage due to operational costs
- Often includes the “no flop, no drop” rule (no rake if no flop is dealt)
- Includes time-based rake in high-stakes or private games
Online Poker Rake
- Automatically calculated and deducted by software
- Lower percentages, often with tighter caps
- Provides detailed rake tracking in player dashboards
- Often includes rewards systems or loyalty points
In 2025, many online poker rooms now provide transparency with rake tracking tools, enabling players to monitor their fees and assess ROI accurately.
Are There Poker Games Without a Rake?
Yes, some poker rooms and websites promote “rake-free” games. These are structured differently to attract users and increase volume on related platforms like sportsbooks or casinos.
Types of rake-free models include:
Membership-Based Access
Players pay a monthly fee to access all games without any per-hand rake. This model is gaining traction in private poker apps and niche online communities.
Promotional Rake-Free Tables
Some sites run limited-time rake-free promotions to encourage traffic to new game types or features.
Cross-Selling Model
Large betting sites may offer rake-free poker to drive traffic to their more profitable areas, such as slots or sports betting.
However, it’s important to approach these offers with caution. Many rake-free platforms face sustainability challenges, and not all are regulated. Players should always verify the licensing and financial stability of these platforms before depositing funds.
What Is Rakeback and How Does It Work?
Rakeback is a rewards system where players receive a portion of the rake they’ve paid, either directly or through loyalty programmes. In 2025, this has become a standard feature on many reputable poker platforms.
There are two primary rakeback methods:
Dealt Method
All players dealt into the hand receive an equal share of the rakeback, regardless of their participation in the pot.
Contributed Method
Players receive rakeback proportional to their actual contribution to the pot.
In tournaments, rakeback is calculated on the house fee, meaning part of the entry fee is rebated.
Rakeback percentages vary between platforms but can range from 5% to 40%. While not every room offers rakeback, some integrate it through VIP tiers or point-based reward systems.
Can Rakeback Really Boost Poker Profits?
For high-volume players, rakeback can represent a substantial portion of total earnings. Even marginal players can turn a profit with enough rakeback.
In 2025, many online poker professionals in the UK rely on rakeback as a core part of their income strategy. Some even follow lower-risk strategies and rely heavily on rakeback to stay profitable, a trend often referred to as “rakeback grinding”.
Players who multi-table or play high-hand volume can earn hundreds to thousands of pounds per month purely through rakeback.
Key Considerations
- Choose platforms with transparent rakeback policies
- Track your rake contributions and expected returns
- Avoid platforms with restrictive rakeback bans or policies
Do All Poker Rooms Offer Rakeback?
Not every poker site provides rakeback directly. In fact, some of the biggest networks like PokerStars and PartyPoker have replaced traditional rakeback with loyalty programmes or point systems.
Common Models in 2025
- Direct Rakeback: Still offered by mid-tier and emerging rooms
- Loyalty Tiers: Earn points that convert into cash or rewards
- Affiliate Deals: Third-party partners may provide exclusive rakeback
- Hybrid Programmes: Combine direct rakeback and perks like tournament tickets
Players should review the terms closely. In some cases, offering rakeback through affiliates is against a platform’s policy and could result in account suspensions.
What’s the Legal Side of Rake in Poker?
In the UK, taking a rake is legal only if the operator is properly licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Licensed operators must comply with strict regulations regarding transparency, fairness, and responsible gambling.
Key Legal Facts
- Private games cannot charge a rake unless licensed
- Social games without rake are generally legal in private settings
- All online poker platforms operating in the UK must hold a UKGC licence
Unregulated or offshore sites that charge rake without proper oversight can face penalties, and players risk losing their funds. Always verify the legitimacy of the poker site before playing.
How Can Players Minimise the Impact of Rake?
While rake is unavoidable, there are ways to reduce its impact on your long-term performance:
Smart Table Selection
Choose tables with lower rake structures or better rakeback deals. Avoid high-rake games with few benefits.
Use Rakeback Programmes
Sign up through affiliates or directly with platforms that offer rakeback and rewards.
Focus on High Volume or High Stakes
The more hands you play or the bigger the pots, the more valuable rakeback becomes.
Play During Promotions
Take advantage of rake races, cashback weeks, or loyalty multipliers that increase returns on your activity.
Track Your Rake
Use poker trackers and site dashboards to monitor how much rake you pay and whether your play is profitable after rake.
Conclusion
Understanding rake in poker is essential for any player who wants to build long-term success, especially in today’s competitive UK poker environment.
As we’ve explored, rake is more than just a fee, it’s a crucial factor that affects every aspect of your game, from profitability to strategy and even site selection.
In 2025, players have more options than ever, from rake-free poker rooms to smart rakeback deals. With the right knowledge and tools, it’s possible not only to survive the rake but to thrive in spite of it.
This guide has unpacked the hidden costs behind every hand, examined different rake structures, and shown how players can protect their bankroll.
If you’re serious about poker, understanding and managing rake is one of the smartest moves you can make. As the game continues to evolve, keep your edge sharp, and always make sure the rake is working for you, not against you.
FAQs
What is the average rake percentage in online poker?
Most online poker rooms charge between 2.5% to 5% per pot, with a cap to limit total deductions.
Is rake charged in every poker hand?
Not always. In some games like Texas Hold’em, if there’s no flop, many casinos won’t take a rake. This is known as no flop, no drop.
Can I make a profit playing poker with high rake?
Yes, but it’s more challenging. You need a solid strategy and possibly rakeback to remain profitable.
Are subscription-based poker sites worth it?
For frequent players, they can offer good value by eliminating per-hand fees. However, they may lack liquidity or game variety.
Is rakeback legal in the UK?
Yes, when offered by UKGC-licensed operators or their approved affiliates.
How do I find the best rakeback deals?
Look for reputable poker affiliates, compare loyalty programmes, and read site-specific terms.
Do all tournaments include a rake?
Most do. It’s usually shown in the buy-in structure, such as £100+£10 (where £10 is the rake).
Disclaimer:
UK Casino Mag does not operate or promote any form of gambling. All content is for news, analysis, and educational purposes only. Please gamble responsibly and seek help if you are affected by gambling-related issues.
