Rake
The commission taken by the casino or poker room from each pot.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Rake?
Rake is typically calculated as a percentage of the pot, often around 3-5%, up to a capped maximum amount per hand. In tournaments, the rake (sometimes called the "juice" or entry fee) is usually collected upfront as part of the buy-in rather than taken from individual pots. Rake represents the poker room's revenue and is an unavoidable cost that players must overcome to be long-term winners.
Examples
The cardroom took a 5% rake, capped at $4, from every cash game pot.
A $100 tournament buy-in often includes a separate rake, such as $100 plus $9 in fees.
Strategy Tips
Factor rake into your win-rate expectations, since it's a fixed cost that reduces overall profitability, especially at lower stakes. Seek out lower-rake games or rooms when possible, since high rake structures can turn otherwise profitable players into long-term losers. Play tighter, more selective ranges in high-rake environments, since marginal spots are less profitable after rake is deducted. Compare rake structures across different sites or cardrooms as part of your overall game selection strategy.