What Is Rakeback? Rakeback Explained for Poker and Casino Players
Rakeback is a term often mentioned by regular players at online casinos and poker tables, but not everyone knows what it means or how it works. Understanding rakeback might help players make more informed decisions about their gaming activity.
For those new to online poker and casino games, the idea of getting a percentage of fees back may sound appealing, but there is more to know before taking part. Different sites use different systems, and not all games or offers work in the same way.
This blog post explains what rakeback is, how it is calculated, which games qualify, how poker and casino offers differ, how to claim, the terms you are likely to see, and what it means for tax in the UK.
How Does Rakeback Work?
Rakeback is a reward system used by many online casinos and poker rooms. When a player takes part in poker games or selected casino activities, the operator usually charges a small fee known as the rake. This fee helps cover running costs and is part of how the platform operates.
Rakeback returns a portion of that fee to the player, based on their activity. The site tracks how much rake has been paid and then gives a percentage of it back on a schedule set out in the rules, often weekly or monthly. Some platforms credit this automatically, while others require players to opt in or meet certain targets before any amount is released.
Eligibility varies. Rakeback usually applies to real-money play on specific games or tables, and some activities will not count. It is worth checking the offer page so you know what qualifies and when payments are made.
If that is the basic idea, the next question is how sites decide what to return and how the figures are worked out.
How Is Rakeback Calculated?
The way rakeback is calculated depends on the operator’s reward system. Different sites use different methods, and the same platform might apply more than one approach across various games or promotions. The most common structures are percentage-based and fixed deals.
Percentage-Based Rakeback
With percentage-based rakeback, a player receives back a proportion of the total rake they have paid over a set period. For example, if a site offers 20% rakeback and a player pays £100 in rake, they would receive £20 in return. Some platforms vary the percentage by loyalty tier, volume of play, or game type.
How a site counts a player’s contribution can also differ. Common attribution models include:
- Contributed or weighted-contributed, where each player’s share of the pot influences how much rake is assigned to them.
- Dealt, where everyone dealt into the hand receives an equal share of the assigned rake, regardless of their contribution.
These models affect how much rakeback a player earns from the same table, so checking which method applies can help explain differences between sites.
Players should also note that certain games may contribute at reduced rates or not at all. A breakdown on the offer page usually lists any weightings or exclusions.
Fixed Deals and Hourly Rates
Some sites offer fixed rakeback deals, where players receive a set amount for reaching certain milestones, such as playing a specific number of hands or earning a target number of points. Others use hourly rates, crediting a specific £ value for every hour a player is active under defined conditions.
These structures often include caps, time windows, or table restrictions. For example, only hands at designated stakes might count, or only hours meeting a minimum number of hands per hour. Reading the qualifying rules helps avoid missing out once you are close to a milestone.
Rake Types And Eligible Games
Rake is the fee collected by an operator from certain games, most commonly in poker. In cash games, it is usually a small percentage taken from each pot up to a cap. Many rooms apply a no-flop, no-drop rule, meaning no rake is taken if the hand ends before the flop. In tournaments, rake is built into the entry fee. If a tournament costs £10+£1, the £1 is the fee collected by the site.
Some games use a time-based rake, where a fixed amount is charged at regular intervals, such as every half hour, rather than taking a percentage from each pot. This is more common at certain stakes or in specific formats.
Not every casino game uses a rake. Poker is the main setting where rake and rakeback appear. Some live dealer or speciality games might include similar table fees, but most slot games and traditional table games like blackjack or roulette do not have rake. Those games are priced through the house edge instead, so rakeback generally does not apply.
Rules about which games qualify for rakeback are set by each operator, and the list can change. It is sensible to check the current eligibility and any caps so you know what counts before you start.
With the types of rake clear, it becomes easier to see why poker and casino offers are set up differently.
How Do Casino Rakeback Offers Differ From Poker?
Rakeback in poker is tied directly to the fee collected from each pot or tournament entry. Players can usually see how much rake is paid and how much is returned, and the published percentage makes the calculation fairly transparent.
Casino rakeback is less common and often appears as cashback within a wider loyalty programme. Instead of pot-based rake, the amount might be calculated from total wagers or net losses over a set period, and it may apply only to selected games. The percentage, the qualifying activity, and any exclusions vary widely across operators.
Another difference is how the reward can be used. Poker rakeback is commonly paid as cash or a cash equivalent. Casino cashback may arrive as cash, bonus funds, or a mix, sometimes with wagering requirements or usage limits. The offer page should spell out the source of the calculation, any weighting across games, and the form of payout.
Once you understand the structures, the next step is making the most of them without overcomplicating your play.
How Can Poker Players Maximise Rakeback?
For players who take part in poker rakeback programmes, a few habits can help make the rewards go further. Table selection matters, because rake structures differ by stake and format. Lower stakes often have higher percentage rake, while higher stakes typically have lower percentages but higher caps. Finding a level where the rake is reasonable and the gameplay suits your ability can improve the value you receive from any percentage offered.
Formats also contribute differently. Fast-fold pools generate more hands per hour, which can increase tracked activity, whereas some short-handed or heads-up games may have different caps or rules. Checking how your preferred games are weighted helps explain why two sessions with similar buy-ins can earn different amounts of rakeback.
If a site uses tiers or seasonal promotions, keeping an eye on thresholds can be worthwhile, provided it fits your budget and schedule. Some offers require an opt-in, and others reset monthly, so a quick look at the rewards page before you start can prevent missed credits.
Finally, it helps to review your rakeback statements or tracking reports from time to time. Seeing how much rake is attributed to your account and which games contribute most can guide small changes that add up over a month, without altering your approach to the tables.
How To Claim Rakeback From Your Account?
Claiming rakeback is usually straightforward, though the process varies by site and by offer. Many operators credit rakeback automatically on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly. Some display it as a separate balance, while others pay it into a rewards wallet or directly into the cash balance.
Certain promotions require an opt-in before tracking begins. This might be a toggle in the rewards area or a short registration on the promotions page. If the offer is milestone-based, the credit often appears once the target number of hands, points, or hours has been reached and verified by the system.
Occasionally, there are release conditions or time limits. For example, rewards may need to be claimed within a set period or can be forfeited if the account becomes inactive. The key details are normally listed on the offer page and in the account area where rewards are shown.
Common Terms And Conditions For Rakeback
Operators attach specific terms and conditions to rakeback to explain how players qualify, how amounts are calculated, and how payments are made. Minimum activity levels are common, such as generating a set amount of rake or points within a defined period.
Eligibility is often limited to selected games, stakes, or tables. Some formats might contribute at a reduced rate, and there may be caps on how much can be earned per hand, per day, or per promotion. Time windows matter too, with many deals running on weekly or monthly cycles.
The form of payment can vary. Poker rakeback is often paid as cash, while some casino-style offers may pay as bonus funds that carry wagering requirements or restrictions on withdrawal. Standard account checks, including identity verification, typically need to be completed before funds can be accessed.
Finally, most terms include fair-use and anti-abuse rules. Activities such as collusion, multi-accounting, or manipulative play to generate artificial rake will usually void rewards and may lead to account action. Offers can also change or be withdrawn, so it is sensible to review the current terms before relying on a particular rate.
Is Rakeback Taxable In The UK?
For players based in the UK, gambling winnings and rewards, including rakeback, are generally not considered taxable income. HM Revenue & Customs does not require players to pay tax on money won from legal gambling activities, whether this is from poker games, casino winnings, or rakeback schemes.
This rule applies to individuals playing recreationally or professionally. Operators are responsible for paying gambling duties, which means players do not need to declare rakeback or other gaming rewards on personal tax returns.
Tax laws can change. If a player is unsure how the rules apply to their situation, guidance from HMRC or a qualified professional is the safest route.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
