What is the “Rake”?

The “rake” is the fee charged by the house (casino) for hosting games, most commonly in poker. It’s a key mechanism ensuring casinos profit from games where players compete against each other, not the house.

Rake is a small percentage of each pot in cash games or an entry fee in tournaments, collected by the casino as its revenue. Unlike slots or blackjack, where the house bets against players, poker pits players against one another, so rake is the casino’s cut for facilitating the game.

How It Works

In a cash game, the dealer takes a portion – typically 2-10% – of each pot, often capped at a set amount (e.g., $5). For tournaments, players pay a fee upfront, like $10 on a $100 buy-in, with the rake funding the house while the rest builds the prize pool. Casinos disclose rake rates clearly to maintain transparency.

Rake reduces the money players take home. A $100 pot with a 5% rake leaves $95 for the winner, subtly eroding earnings over time. Skilled players aim to outpace the rake through strategy, while casual players may barely notice its effect.

Rake ensures steady income without risking casino funds, as poker outcomes don’t affect the house directly. High-traffic poker rooms can generate substantial profits, balancing low margins with volume.