A good poker rakeback deal can turn a break-even player into a profitable one. This guide explains how such arrangements work, as well as how to get one for yourself. But first, here are the country’s leading rakeback poker sites.
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Poker Rakeback Sites Reviewed 2024
Before we learn all about rakeback deals and how they work, let’s take a more detailed look at the country’s top online poker sites.
1. CoinPoker – Best Rakeback Deal for Cryptocurrency Users
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Rakeback Deals 10/10 – No site offers a better rakeback arrangement. Play using CHP, CoinPoker’s own cryptocurrency, and you’ll receive 33% rakeback every single week.
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Provides all of the most popular games at a wide range of limits. The Omaha tables are especially notable, with famous players like Tony G playing record-breaking pots at the highest stakes.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Few sites offer cheaper tournament buy-ins than CoinPoker. It also runs innovative events like “freebuys” alongside the usual SNG and MTT formats. Look out for weekly six-figure tournaments like the Falcon.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – The standard is pretty good at CoinPoker, and the tables are generally busy, especially Hold’em and Omaha.
- Software Quality 10/10 – A stylish app with a modern look and feel that offers all the functionality a poker player needs. Desktop software is also user-friendly with intuitive features.
- Betting Limits and Payments 10/10 – Cryptocurrency is the focus, ensuring extremely fast withdrawals. No need to verify your identity by handing over sensitive ID documents. Use the unique ERC-20 token (CHP) to ensure rakeback.
- Mobile Friendliness 10/10 – The app looks clean and contemporary, but more importantly, it works very well. Doesn’t consume much space on your device, straightforward to set up and the minimalist, uncluttered design is easy to use.
Since launching in 2017, CoinPoker has quickly become one of the country’s top crypto poker sites. With tournaments and cash games available to suit all bankrolls, impressive software and speedy crypto payments, there’s a lot to love.
The generous CoinPoker rakeback deal, which is worth 33%, is available to all players. You just need to use the proprietary ERC-20 token Chips (CHP).
Pros
- Low rake and buy-ins
- Impressive 33% rakeback
- Sleek and user-friendly software
- Busy cash game tables
Cons
- Unable to deposit via card
- No seven card stud games
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
2. Ignition Poker – Rewarding Loyalty Program for US Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| PaiWangLuo Poker | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Rakeback Deals 8/10 – There is no Ignition rakeback program per se. However, players can earn “Miles” via the ignition Rewards scheme. Exchange 2,500 reward miles for $1 in what is effectively a rakeback deal.
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Enjoy multiple Omaha variants and busy Holdem tables at a good range of limits. No draw or stud poker yet, sadly.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Weekly $200k events and other guarantees with millions in total each month. Ideal for lower-stakes players, with regular freerolls and few MTT or SNG buy-ins over $300.
- Traffic and Player Base 10/10 – Part of a sizable poker network, the Ignition tables are busy for most of the day, especially low-limit Hold’em games. In addition, the standard is poorer than average.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Desktop client adopts a tried-and-trusted layout familiar to online poker players for more than 20 years. Functional, if not the most beautiful software.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – 16 cryptocurrencies in the cashier which facilitate super-fast withdrawals and secure deposits. Several more traditional options too, though these tend to be slower and come with charges.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – Enjoy download-free games in any browser. The interface is user-friendly and offers everything you need, but it could look a little better.
Licensed in Curaçao, Ignition is an offshore poker site that’s been accepting US players since 2016.
The Hold’em and Omaha cash tables are some of the busiest around, in part due to the anonymity offered. Usernames are obscured, helping to create a friendly environment that’s not as intimidating as other rakeback poker sites.
Pros
- Anonymous usernames
- Weaker standard than average
- Consistently high volumes of player traffic
- Download-free poker games
Cons
- Not the best looking software
- High fees for some payment methods
- Reward store with bonuses and tickets
- Quick and easy seating at cash game tables
- Easy to use poker hand history
3. ACR Poker – Best Rakeback Site for Stud Poker Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Costa Rica | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Rakeback Deals 9/10 – Contact support to switch from the Elite Benefits program to a 27% ACR Poker rakeback deal. The default loyalty scheme is good, but for many players, rakeback makes more sense.
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – One of the most diverse collections of poker games available to players in the US. Can enjoy niche options like Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, for instance.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Sizable selection of tournaments in all kinds of formats. Most notably, ACR Poker is home to The Venom, which broke a record with its $12.5 million guarantee in 2024.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – As part of WPN (Winning Poker Network) players can expect plenty of traffic, especially at the Hold’em tables. However, it’s one of the more competitive sites, with a better standard of opponent.
- Software Quality 9/10 – The desktop client is one of the best around. ACR Poker also encourages the use of third-party tracking tools and HUD software. Slick mobile software, too.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Low minimum deposit requirement of only $10 is ideal for casual players. Lack of traditional payment methods to support the many fast-paying crypto tokens.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Although the Android app is modern and functions well, there’s no iOS equivalent at the moment. We experienced a couple of minor graphical glitches that were annoying, but hardly deal breakers.
This long-standing site has been around since 2001. Part of the reputable Winning Poker Network, you can be sure of busy tables throughout most of the day.
Although the desktop client is user-friendly and full of busy tables, you might prefer to play on mobile, because the Android software is one of the best real money poker apps around.
Pros
- Known for huge eight-figure guarantees
- Industry-leading Android app
- Players can use tracking software
- Enjoy seven card stud and variants
Cons
- No iOS mobile app
- Can’t withdraw by card
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
4. Black Chip Poker – Top Rakeback Site for HUD Software users
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Rakeback Deals 9/10 – By default, there is no rakeback available, with players automatically enrolled into the Elite benefits loyalty scheme. However, if you speak to support, you can opt out and switch to a fixed 27% rakeback deal.
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – Hold’em is the staple, naturally. But the site also offers plenty of classic games like Seven Card Stud, as well as fun Omaha variants, including Five Card Omaha.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Everything you could want, from on-demand SNGs to MTTs. Wide selection of formats, including mystery bounty events and all-in or fold tournaments. Play tournaments with mammoth guarantees like The Venom.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Another WPN (Winning Poker Network) site, Black Chip Poker offers a plentiful supply of opponents. Just don’t expect them all to be fish.
- Software Quality 9/10 – Leading desktop client and highly-polished mobile software. It’s permitted to use HUDs and hand trackers, too.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – No card withdrawals, but plenty of other options, including super-fast crypto tokens like Bitcoin. Minimum deposit of only $10.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Fantastic Android app, that’s extremely intuitive and looks great. However, the lack of iOS software means we have to subtract points.
Although games aren’t the softest here, there’s a lot of them. Cash tables are busy, tournaments are plentiful and there’s a wide range of stakes available.
Like ACR Poker, all new players are automatically enrolled into the Elite Benefits reward system. However, the 24/7 support team will gladly switch you to the 27% Black Chip Poker rakeback program.
Pros
- Great choice of non-Hold’em games
- Speedy cryptocurrency withdrawals
- Use your HUD software without issues
- 27% rakeback or generous loyalty program
Cons
- Better opponents than average
- Unable to withdraw by card
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
5. BetOnline Poker – Best Choice for Instant No-Download Poker Games
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Chico Poker | Panama Gaming Commission | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Rakeback Deals 8/10 – BetOnline offers rakeback through a loyalty system that’s tied to your weekly contribution. Although you can earn up to 25%, you’ll need to pay at least $500 just to earn 10%.
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Mostly Hold’em and Omaha games, but a broad range of betting limits available. Also possible to practice at play money tables before trying real games.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Up to $10 million in tournament guarantees every month. Fair tournament buy-ins and plenty of freeroll events.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – One of the softest rakeback sites around, due to the high volume of sports bettors trying poker out. Low-stakes Omaha and Hold’em tables are especially busy.
- Software Quality 8/10 – By no means the prettiest, but the software is light and easy to use. Offers instant play in a browser, with no need to download.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – Receive cryptocurrency withdrawals in less than a day, and usually under two hours. Prohibitive fees for card deposits, however.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Play in any up-to-date mobile or tablet browser, without downloading bulky apps. It’s nothing special in terms of visuals, but the functionality is there.
Based in Panama, BetOnline is one of the leading offshore poker sites accepting US players. Operational since 2004, it’s an extremely reputable brand known for its same-day cryptocurrency withdrawals.
Until June 2024, there was no BetOnline rakeback program. However, with the launch of RISE, regulars can now earn between 10% and 25% rakeback, depending on their reward tier.
Read our full BetOnline Poker review to learn more about its rakeback program and crypto payments.
Pros
- Weak standard, beatable games
- Some of the busiest Hold’em tables
- Play without a download
- Up to 25% rakeback
Cons
- Expensive to deposit by card
- No ewallet payment options
- Fast seating with Boost for zero waiting time
- Huge tournaments like Sunday Million and PKO's
- Solid traffic on Chico Poker Network
What is Rakeback?
It makes sense to start our guide with a definition. What actually is rakeback in poker?
Rakeback Explained
As you probably know, “rake” is the fee for playing at poker rooms, whether live or online. A certain percentage is removed from qualifying pots, to be kept by the house.
However, rakeback arrangements allow you to pick up a rebate on the commission paid within a given period of time.
Traditionally, this would be provided by a third-party affiliate. But it’s increasingly common for poker sites themselves to pay a direct cashback rebate to players.
Is Rakeback Important?
For an aspiring professional, rakeback isn’t just important – it’s essential.
Imagine you’re a long-term break-even player, or even making a marginal loss in your career. If you could add 25% to 40% of the rake you pay back onto your bottom line, you’d become a winning player. A questionable professional career suddenly becomes sustainable.
But even if you’re a casual player, it still makes a lot of sense to subscribe to a rakeback program, if it’s available. Who wouldn’t want what is, essentially, free money every week or month?
Different Types of Rakeback in Poker
There are several different kinds of rakeback poker deals available. In this section of our guide, we’ll discuss how each one works.
Flat Rakeback Deal
This is the simplest arrangement available at rakeback poker sites. If you’re on a flat rate deal, you’ll receive a fixed percentage of the rake you paid throughout the relevant period.
At CoinPoker, for instance, players receive a flat 33% rebate on their weekly rake payments. So, if you paid $100 in rake, you’d collect $33 in rakeback.
Dealt Rake
A dealt rake setup considers which players entered the pot. If you fold without adding money, you’ll receive no rake contribution.
However, all rake contributions are allocated equally, regardless of how much someone adds to the pot. So, whether you contributed ten cents or ten dollars, any applicable rakeback will also be allocated equally.
Weighted Contribution Rakeback
A much fairer way to handle the contributed rakeback approach is to weight it according to who paid what into a pot.
The higher the percentage of cash you added, the greater the rake contribution and, in turn, the rakeback allocation.
Tier-Based Rakeback
Instead of providing a fixed rate to all players, a tier-based system awards greater percentages to bigger-speding players.
At BetOnline, for instance, players paying between $500 and $1,000 in weekly rake will receive a 10% rebate. However, the highest cashback tier of 25% is attainable if you pay $5,000 or more in rake.
VIP Rakeback
This type of rakeback is a little more convoluted. It’s basically the same as a loyalty or VIP program at a casino.
Players earn reward points as they play, which can later be traded in for real money. Ignition offers a classic example of this kind of rakeback setup.
Other Poker Bonuses
In addition to rakeback, the best sites offer a number of other poker bonuses too, including the following:
- Reload bonuses – Fund your account and receive a percentage of the transaction value on top as a bonus.
- Free tournament entries– It’s possible to earn free tournament buy-ins, allowing you to effectively freeroll a tournament that everyone else paid to play.
- No deposit bonus– A one-off bonus that’s often paid to new players, but sometimes to regulars, perhaps as part of a loyalty program.
Online Poker Games for Rakeback
What games are on offer that also qualify for rakeback? Let’s find out.
All of the best rakeback poker sites offer two types of structure: cash games and tournaments.
The former, which we’ll come to shortly, use chips with a real money value. Tournaments, on the other hand, can be entered by paying a one-off fee. The player who ends up with all of the chips is declared the winner.
A tournament entry charge, called a “buy-in”, also includes a commission that’s retained by the house. This fee contributes towards rakeback arrangements just like the rake in a cash game.
The most popular form of poker cash game is Hold’em. Although it originated in Texas, the game is now enjoyed from Washington to New York and all states in between.
Everyone receives two private cards, which can be combined with up to five in the middle to produce a qualifying poker hand. It can be played with three different betting structures: No Limit, Pot Limit and Fixed Limit.
Aggressive, brave and confident players tend to be well-suited to the No Limit format, while disciplined grinders might prefer a Fixed structure. You’ll earn Texas Hold’em rakeback regardless.
A cousin of Hold’em, Omaha players receive four cards instead of two. The key difference is that you must use two from your starting hand and three from the board. All other rules remain the same as Hold’em.
Omaha is usually played as a Pot Limit game, though you can find No Limit and Fixed Limit games. The Fixed, No and Pot Limit Omaha rakeback arrangements are all the same.
Five Card Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo are two popular variants of this game offered by many leading sites.
This classic game has been somewhat overshadowed by the emergence of the more action-packed No Limit Hold’em. However, it retains a cult following among the purists.
There are no community cards in stud games, meaning all seven of your cards are private. Four are turned face-down with three open, allowing plenty of room for bluffing and strategy.
You can play Seven Card Stud, along with the Hi/Lo variant, at sites like ACR Poker, earning rakeback in the process.
How to Claim Rakeback in Poker
Not sure how to claim your rakeback? Here’s a practical example that walks you through the process at CoinPoker, the best US site for rakeback.
1. Create an Account
First of all, you’ll need to register your details and create a new account.
Visit the CoinPoker website, tap the red “Download” button to obtain and install the software, then click “Create Account”.
2. Purchase CHP
To qualify for the 33% rakeback deal, you must fund your account using a specific cryptocurrency called Chips, or CHP for short.
This can be obtained by switching Bitcoin or Ethereum for CHP at KuCoin, AllCoin, YoBit, ForkDelta or HitBTC.
3. Send the CHP to Your Crypto Wallet
After purchasing CHP, transfer it to your own personal wallet.
Never send it directly to CoinPoker from the exchange as it must come through your verified wallet.
4. Verify Your ERC-20 Wallet
The first time you send CHP to your CoinPoker account, that wallet will be confirmed as linked.
All future deposits must be sent from the same wallet address.
5. Play Some Poker
Once the transaction is complete, you’re ready to play some games.
Use the filters to select a cash table or tournament, play poker and pay rake.
6. Receive CoinPoker Rakeback
Every Monday, all qualifying players receive a fixed 33% rakeback credit. It’s paid directly into your account, so you don’t need to do anything special in order to claim it.
CoinPoker rakeback is based on the rake paid the previous week.
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
What is the Best Payment Method for Poker Rakeback Deals?
When it comes to earning rakeback, it doesn’t matter too much which payment method you use.
However, generally speaking, it makes more sense to deposit and withdraw with some options than others, as you’re about to discover.
Cryptocurrency
There is no faster way to receive a withdrawal when playing online poker than cryptocurrency. The best rakeback sites pay players in no more than 24 hours when cashing out via tokens like Bitcoin, Tether and Ethereum.
In addition, crypto payments are almost always fee-free.
At CoinPoker specifically, you’ll also receive 33% rakeback when using their unique CHP token.
Ewallets
Reputable names like Neteller and Sktill have been in the business of processing online gambling payments for more than a quarter of a century. They’re quick, cheap and reliable.
If you’re not a fan of cryptocurrency, ewallets are the next best option for playing online poker.
How to Maximize Rakeback
Want to get the most out of your rakeback deal? Then be sure to take the following tips on board.
It’s obvious, but securing the best rakeback percentage is crucial. If that means switching to a new and unfamiliar site, so be it.
If possible, arrange a flat rate. Tiered deals can suit high-stakes VIPs with huge bankrolls, but the majority will benefit more from a fixed rate.
Sites that use a weighted contribution model deduct rake according to how much everyone paid into the pot. If you’re likely to contribute less, look for a site using the dealt rake approach.
Top sites offer regular promotions to loyalty players. Look out for reload bonuses and leaderboards to secure bankroll building opportunities, knowing that you’ll receive a rebate on any rake paid.
Best Poker Rakeback Deals – Key Takeaways
That’s everything you need to know about rakeback. Before we wrap up with a few frequently asked questions, here are the key points to take away from our guide.
- Rakeback is essential – It can literally make or break a professional, but even a beginner will benefit from a rakeback arrangement.
- There are different types of rakeback – Make sure you understand each setup and know which sites employ which systems.
- CoinPoker offers the best flat rate – As long as you play using the CHP crypto token, all players receive 33% rakeback at CoinPoker.
FAQs – Rakeback Meaning
What is rakeback in poker?
What is a good rakeback?
How much poker rakeback can I earn?
Which poker rooms offer the highest rakeback?
How is rakeback calculated?
Is rakeback legit or a scam?
How do I switch from Elite Benefits to 27% rakeback at ACR Poker?
References
- https://coinpoker.com/help/faq-what-is-chp/ (CoinPoker: What Is CHP?)
- https://faq.acrpoker.eu/bonuses-rewards/rakeback-program/id-like-to-switch-to-rakeback-how-do-i-do-that-2 (ACR Poker: FAQs)