By Admin 
Casinos generate revenue from poker primarily through a mechanism known as the rake. The rake is a commission taken by the casino from each pot in cash games, and it serves as the main source of income for poker rooms since players compete against each other rather than against the house.
How Rake Works
- Percentage of the Pot: The most common method of collecting rake is by taking a percentage of the pot. This percentage typically ranges from 2.5% to 10%, depending on the casino’s policies. However, there is usually a cap on the maximum amount that can be taken, which prevents excessively high rakes in large pots. For instance, if a cash game has a 5% rake capped at ₹5, and the pot reaches ₹100, the casino will take ₹5, regardless of how large the pot grows beyond that point.
- No Flop, No Drop: Many casinos implement a “no flop, no drop” rule, meaning that if a hand does not reach the flop (the first three community cards), no rake is taken. This encourages players to engage more actively in hands.
- Time Collection: In some poker rooms, particularly for higher-stakes games, casinos may charge a fixed fee based on time rather than per hand. This fee can be collected every half-hour or hour and is often applied uniformly across all players at the table.
- Dead Drop: This less common method involves placing a fixed amount on the dealer button by the player in that position before any cards are dealt. The dealer collects this fee before starting the hand.
Online vs. Live Poker
In live poker settings, dealers manually collect the rake from each pot as it is played. They set aside chips that will later be deposited into a secure box once the hand concludes. In online poker, the rake is automatically calculated and deducted by the software during gameplay, either incrementally or at the end of each hand.
Rake in Tournaments
While rake is most commonly associated with cash games, it can also apply to poker tournaments. In tournaments, instead of taking a percentage from each pot during play, casinos typically deduct a portion of the buy-in fee as their rake. This amount is factored into the entry fee paid by players when they register for the tournament.
Conclusion
The rake is an essential aspect of how casinos profit from poker games. Understanding its structure and implications can help players make informed decisions about where and how to play poker while also managing their expenses effectively. By being aware of different rake models and rules, players can better strategize their gameplay to minimize costs and maximize enjoyment at the tables.
