Many players notice a small fee taken from each poker pot or tournament entry but might not realise what it is, how it works, or why it is there. This fee, called the rake, is how poker rooms and websites cover costs and generate revenue.
Understanding rake matters because it directly affects potential returns. The way it is collected can differ between cash games and tournaments, and operators use several methods to apply it.
This guide explains what rake is, how it is calculated, the common structures used, and why it matters. It also covers the legal framework in the UK, how to spot unfair practices, what to do if something seems off, and how to check a site’s policy with confidence.
Read on to learn more.
What Is Poker Rake?
Poker rake is a small fee taken by a poker room or website for hosting games. It is the standard business model for most poker venues.
In cash games, rake is usually taken from the pot. In tournaments, it is commonly included in the buy in, where part of the entry goes to the prize pool and part to the operator.
The amount taken can vary. It is often set as a percentage of the pot with a maximum cap per hand, so the fee does not grow indefinitely as pots get larger.
It is sensible to check how much rake is charged before joining a game, as this affects the amount players can receive from winning pots or prize pools. Licensed operators in the UK must make their rake policy clear so players can see what they are paying for. With that in mind, how is rake actually collected in practice?
How Do Poker Rooms Take Rake?
Poker rooms use a few standard methods to collect rake during games.
In cash games, the most common approach is a percentage taken from the pot at the end of a hand, usually only if the pot reaches a minimum size. A maximum per hand, known as a cap, is often applied.
Another method is time collection. Instead of taking a slice from each pot, the venue charges a fixed amount from each player at set intervals, often every 30 or 60 minutes.
For tournaments, the rake is usually built into the buy in as a separate fee. This keeps the prize pool and the operator’s fee distinct and easy to see.
In the UK, poker sites and venues must state how they collect rake. If the terms are unclear, players can check the help pages or ask support for confirmation. Next, here is how the numbers are worked out at the table.
How Is Rake Calculated At The Table?
At the table, rake is commonly calculated as a percentage of the pot with a cap that limits how much can be taken per hand. Many rooms use a sliding scale so the percentage or cap varies by stake or game type.
A typical example would be 5% capped at a set amount. If the cap is £3 and the pot reaches £100, the rake taken would be £3 rather than the full 5%.
Some games use a fixed deduction from each hand, while others use a time based approach where each player pays a set amount per hour instead of paying per pot.
For tournaments, the rake is calculated in advance and shown as a separate part of the entry fee. Full details should be set out in the site or venue’s terms and rake schedule so players know what to expect. To make this concrete, let’s look at a few worked examples.
Example Rake Calculations
Here are a few simple examples to show how rake is worked out in common game formats:
- Cash Game Example: If a poker room collects 5% rake on each pot with a cap of £2, and the pot reaches £30, the rake would be £1.50. If the pot was £60, 5% would be £3, but the £2 cap applies, so only £2 would be collected.
- Tournament Example: Suppose a player buys into a tournament for £10 + £1. The £10 goes to the prize pool, and the £1 is the fee to the operator, making the total entry £11.
- Time Collection Example: If a venue charges £5 per player every hour, and someone plays for three hours, the total paid would be £15.
These examples show the principles that sit behind the main rake structures players will encounter.
Common Rake Structures In Cash Games And Tournaments
Rake structures differ between cash games and tournaments, but each method is designed to cover the costs of running games and keeping them available.
In cash games, percentage rake with a per hand cap is the most common structure. Many rooms also use a no flop, no drop rule, meaning rake is only taken if the hand reaches a flop. This avoids charging when a hand ends immediately.
Some cash games use a fixed amount per hand regardless of pot size. Others run on a time based system, where each player pays a fee at regular intervals, such as every 30 or 60 minutes, instead of paying per pot.
In tournaments, the structure is simpler. The fee is a fixed amount included in the buy in, listed separately from the prize pool. This keeps the cost transparent and easy to compare.
Knowing which structure applies helps set expectations and makes it easier to compare games. With that foundation in place, it becomes clearer why rake matters to players.
Why Rake Matters To Players
Rake has a direct effect on outcomes because it reduces the amount returned to players from pots and prize pools. If the rake is high, the long term net result becomes harder to improve, as a larger slice is taken from each pot or entry.
This is especially relevant for frequent players, where small differences in rake can add up over time. Two games that look identical on the surface can play quite differently once fees are accounted for.
Rake also varies between rooms and sites. Comparing the stated percentages, caps and fees can help players choose where to play. It is worth keeping an eye on how rake is applied in practice and whether it matches the policy that has been published. That leads to an important point about compliance and how it is enforced in the UK.
When Is Rake Illegal And How Do Regulators Respond?
Rake is unlawful if it is collected by unlicensed operators or if it is taken in ways that breach gambling laws and regulations. In the UK, any poker room, whether online or land based, must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to charge rake.
Breaches can include taking rake without a licence, using terms that are misleading or unclear, charging more than the published rate, or hiding fees within other charges. Any of these may lead to regulatory action.
When the UKGC or other authorities identify unlawful practices, they may investigate and take measures such as fines, suspending licences, or closing the site or venue. The goal is to protect players and keep the market fair and transparent. So, what should raise a red flag for players in day to day use?
Signs Of Unfair Or Illegal Rake Practices
A lack of clear information on how rake is collected is a warning sign. If the rake schedule is missing from the help pages, terms and conditions, lobby or cashier, that is cause for caution.
Another sign is being charged more than the published rates, or seeing unexpected deductions from pots or buy ins with no proper explanation. Licensed operators should provide easy to find, up to date rake schedules.
It is also a concern if a poker room hides fees inside other charges or changes the rate without telling players in advance. Any adjustments to rake should be communicated clearly.
If a room is unlicensed yet collecting rake, it is operating outside UK law. Players can check a site’s licence status before joining to avoid this situation. If something does not look right, there are practical steps to take.
What Can Players Do If Rake Is Unfair Or Illegal?
If the rake being charged does not match the stated policy, players can raise the issue with customer support and ask for a clear explanation. Reputable operators have a formal complaints process.
If the response is not satisfactory, the complaint can be referred to the operator’s approved Alternative Dispute Resolution provider. Concerns about misleading terms or unlicensed activity can also be reported to the UKGC, although it does not resolve individual disputes.
Keeping records helps. Saving hand histories, screenshots of rake schedules, and copies of any correspondence can support a complaint or report.
Choosing licensed, transparent sites reduces the chance of problems arising. The simplest safeguard is to check a site’s policy before depositing or taking a seat.
How To Check A Poker Site’s Rake Policy?
Checking a poker site’s rake policy helps avoid unexpected charges and ensures the fee structure is understood before play begins. Licensed operators make this information easy to find and read.
Most sites publish a dedicated rake page or help article, and the key figures are usually visible in the lobby or within the terms and conditions. If anything is unclear, customer support can confirm the details.
How To Read The Terms And Rake Schedules
Look for an explanation of how rake is calculated for each game type, whether as a percentage of the pot with a cap, a fixed amount per hand, or a time based charge. For tournaments, the buy in should show the split between the prize pool and the fee.
Rake schedules typically show the figures by stake and format. It is worth checking that these match what is displayed at the table or in the tournament lobby.
Taking a moment to read the policy and confirm the licence status sets clear expectations and helps avoid surprises. A clear, consistent rake policy is a good sign that a room takes fairness seriously, letting players focus on the game with confidence.
