“But I pay rake!”
It’s a common gripe among poker players. They want it lower, more rewarding, or to be stretched further—better chairs, free food, hotel perks. But as someone running the tables, I see a lot of these complaints miss the bigger picture.
Here’s my take on why rake complaints often fall flat—and what players can actually do if they want change.
Why the “Percentage Rake” Argument Doesn’t Always Work
Players often say tournaments should charge a consistent percentage regardless of buy-in. But the math doesn’t quite work that way.
Running a $100 tournament isn’t ten times cheaper than a $1,000 tournament. Staff, venue costs, and operational expenses don’t scale linearly with the buy-in. That’s why lower buy-in events naturally carry a higher rake percentage, even if the absolute amount is smaller.
Another common gripe? When tournament rake exceeds the first-place prize. In huge fields, this can happen, and players get outraged. But let’s be honest—if you paid a fair rake to enter, it’s still fair even if the total rake collected surpasses the top prize in a large, successful event. It’s math, not villainy.
Influence Change with Your Wallet
So how do you really get an operator to lower rake? Simple: speak with your dollars.
Think of it like a burger stand. If you know you’ll sell 100 burgers, would you price them at $10 or $20? Most businesses, including poker tours, will charge what the market will bear—because players value the experience, the competition, and the prestige.
Poker players often walk in wearing $50,000 watches, using $2,000 phones, and $400 shoes—not because they’re cheap, but because they trust the brand. The same principle applies to poker events. Players willingly pay higher rake at tournaments they perceive as quality, fair, and prestigious.
If you want to influence change, vote with your bankroll. Spend where the pricing feels right. Reward operators who structure tournaments in ways that are fair and transparent. Over time, competition will drive more venues to offer reasonable rake to attract players.
A Player-Operator Perspective
I want poker players to know: I run these events, but I’m also in customer service. Your voice matters. I listen, and I want to provide a perspective that’s constructive rather than preachy.
Rake isn’t the enemy. Understanding why it exists—and how to influence it wisely—gives players real power to shape the game they love.
