Are you leaving money on the table every time you play poker online? If you’re not using rakeback, the answer is probably yes. Whether you’re playing low stakes or high stakes, online poker can be tough, and rakeback is one of the most overlooked ways to increase your profits. In this article, I’m going to explain why every poker player needs rakeback, what rakeback is, and how you can start earning more from every hand.
What is Rakeback?
Let’s start with the basics: rakeback is essentially a cashback program for online poker players. Every time you play a hand of poker, the site takes a small fee from the pot—this is called the rake. Understanding why every poker player needs rakeback is crucial because you get a percentage of that fee returned to you. Over time, these small amounts can add up to serious cash.
For example, let’s say you’re playing on a site that takes 5% rake from each pot, and you’re eligible for 30% rakeback. If you contribute $100 to the rake in a month, you’ll get $30 back—just for playing poker. Imagine getting that cash over months or even years. It’s like getting paid to play.
Why Rakeback is Essential for Every Poker Player
- Maximizes Your Profits
The main reason why every poker player needs rakeback is simple: it boosts your profits. No matter how good or bad you are at poker, rakeback puts extra money in your pocket. Let me tell you from experience—when I first started playing, I didn’t understand the value of rakeback. I was playing long sessions, paying rake, and barely breaking even. But once I signed up for rakeback, I noticed that my bankroll grew faster, and it gave me more breathing room during bad runs.
If you’re playing regularly, you’d be surprised how much rakeback can add to your winnings. It’s like getting a 10-20% bonus on your profits just by playing the same hands.
- Reduces Variance
Poker is a game of skill, but there’s always variance. You can play perfectly and still lose due to bad luck. This is another reason why every poker player needs rakeback. During losing streaks, rakeback can soften the blow because it ensures you’re getting some money back, even if the cards aren’t falling your way.
When I hit a rough patch and wasn’t cashing in many tournaments, rakeback became my safety net. Instead of seeing red every session, I’d see green at the end of the month when my rakeback payout came through. Even during the worst times, that steady stream of rakeback helped me keep going.
- Key for Low-Stakes and Mid-Stakes Players
One thing many poker players don’t realize is that low-stakes players are the ones who need rakeback the most. If you’re playing micro or low stakes, the rake can eat up a significant portion of your winnings. At these levels, even a small percentage of rakeback can make the difference between breaking even or being a profitable player.
For instance, let’s say you’re grinding $0.01/$0.02 cash games. Even though the pots are small, the rake can be relatively high. With rakeback, you get a chunk of that money back every time you play, which is critical for growing your bankroll.
How to Choose the Best Rakeback Deals
Not all rakeback deals are created equal, and it’s important to shop around for the best offers. Some sites offer better percentages, while others may offer bonuses on top of rakeback.
Look for High Percentages
Most sites offer rakeback deals that range from 10% to 50%. Obviously, the higher, the better. Some poker rooms also have VIP programs where your rakeback percentage increases as you play more. Keep an eye out for sites that reward loyalty with increasing returns.
Exclusive Deals and Bonuses
Some rakeback offers include exclusive bonuses—and this is where it gets fun. For example, at Thepokerholics, we’ve got access to rakeback deals that aren’t available everywhere. That means you get rakeback plus extra bonuses just for signing up through us. We can also offer players from countries with restrictions (like Brazil or India) rakeback deals even when their options seem limited.
Payment Frequency
Another thing to look out for is how often you get paid your rakeback. Some sites pay weekly, while others pay monthly. If you want faster payouts, choose a site that pays rakeback more frequently.
How to Sign Up for Rakeback
Getting started with rakeback is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a Poker Site: Head over to Thepokerholics and check out our list of poker sites that offer the best rakeback deals.
- Sign Up Through Our Links: This is important—make sure you sign up through our affiliate links to qualify for the rakeback deals. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it ensures you get the best offer.
- Start Playing: Once you’ve registered, start playing your usual games. You’ll begin accumulating rakeback as you play.
- Track Your Earnings: Most sites provide a dashboard where you can see how much rakeback you’re earning. It’s a great motivator to keep grinding.
Rakeback vs. Other Poker Bonuses
You might be wondering how rakeback compares to other bonuses, like deposit bonuses. While both are great, rakeback has some unique advantages.
Rakeback is Long-Term
Deposit bonuses are usually one-time offers that give you extra cash when you first deposit. The reason why every poker player needs rakeback is because it’s a long-term strategy that rewards you every time you play. It’s not a one-and-done deal—it’s consistent.
Combine Rakeback with Bonuses
The best part? You don’t have to choose between rakeback and deposit bonuses. Many poker sites let you use both. This means you can collect your deposit bonus upfront and then start racking up rakeback over time. Talk about maximizing value!
Why You Shouldn’t Play Poker Without Rakeback
I can’t stress this enough: if you’re playing poker online, you need rakeback. It’s like getting free money every time you play, and there’s no reason not to take advantage of it.
Even if you’re just a casual player, rakeback can add up fast. Let’s say you only play once a week. Over the course of a year, that could still mean hundreds of dollars in rakeback. Now imagine what that could do for your bankroll if you’re playing regularly.
When I first realized how much I was missing out by not using rakeback, it was a game-changer. Suddenly, I had extra cash to take more shots at tournaments, and I was making money even when I wasn’t winning pots. It’s a no-brainer.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, rakeback is one of the easiest ways to increase your earnings as a poker player. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, this is why every poker player needs rakeback. It boosts your profits, reduces variance, and provides a consistent return on your time at the tables.
If you’re ready to start earning more with rakeback, head over to Thepokerholics and check out our latest deals. We’ve got exclusive offers that can get you started today—don’t leave money on the table!