Poker Basics

Rake

The commission fee taken by the poker room from each pot or tournament entry. Online crypto poker rooms typically charge between 2.5% and 5% of each pot, capped at a maximum amount. The rake is how poker rooms generate revenue, as players compete against each other rather than the house.

Quick answer

Rake is the fee a poker room takes for hosting the game. In cash games it usually comes out of the pot after a flop is dealt, often with a maximum cap. In tournaments it is normally included in the buy-in as the entry fee.

Example

In a $1/$2 cash game, you win a $40 pot. The room takes 5% rake ($2), so you receive $38.

How rake affects real play

Rake changes the break-even point

A player can beat the table before fees and still lose after rake. Small pots, low stakes, and loose preflop calls are hit hardest because the fee takes a bigger share of the expected profit.

The cap matters as much as the percentage

A 5% rake with a low cap can be cheaper than a lower percentage with a high cap. When comparing poker rooms, check both the percentage and the maximum taken from each eligible pot.

No-flop-no-drop is important

Many rooms only take cash-game rake if the hand reaches the flop. If everyone folds preflop, no rake is charged. This rule makes blind steals and preflop aggression more valuable.

Rakeback can offset the cost

Rakeback returns part of the fee to the player through cash, rewards, or VIP points. It does not make bad games good, but it can turn a close game into a profitable one.

Where this matters

Move from definition to decision.

Glossary pages explain the language. Use the links below to see how the term affects room choice, rakeback value, or payment tradeoffs on the commercial side of the site.

Compare rakeback roomsFind rooms where rewards can offset part of the rake.Estimate rakeback valueModel monthly rake, cashback, and effective cost.Read the rakeback guideUnderstand rakeback deals before choosing a room.

Rake questions players ask

How is rake taken in poker cash games?

Cash-game rake is usually a percentage of the pot, taken only when the pot qualifies under the room's rules. Most rooms set a maximum cap so very large pots do not keep getting charged at the same percentage.

Is poker rake the same as a tournament fee?

The idea is the same, but the format is different. Cash-game rake is taken from individual pots. Tournament rake is normally shown as the fee portion of the buy-in, such as $100 + $10.

Why does rake matter for winning players?

Rake reduces every player's long-term win rate. The higher the rake, the more selective you need to be with hands, stakes, and table choice because small edges disappear faster.