Rakeback

[X__Gandalf__X]

Where do I go to get the best Rakeback deal? Can I start getting Rakeback at a network where I've been playing for a while? (Playing a lot at Titan recently) Any advice appreciated.

[Bart(UK)]

Re: Rakeback Hi Gandalf, Depends on what you're looking for and what game/variant you prefer really, all platforms offer something slightly different. As a general rule, poker rooms do not retrack existing customers. You will remain affiliated to whatever signup deal you originally went for. Same applies to whether you're a regular player or haven't played on your account for months/years. What you mustn't do is set up a 2nd account with any room you already have an account with. This is an absolute no no, poker rooms have various ways of finding out and punishments can range from temporary blocks on funds to permanent bans and confiscation of all money in your account. If you have in the past set up a 2nd account by mistake, notify the poker room immediately and get them to merge the accounts. They will always close the latter account and you will need to play from your original account and whatever signup you agreed to at the time. In terms of new poker rooms to sign up to:

1. Maybe consider a network you haven't played on before. Opens up new promotions/tournaments to you
2. Check out some of the other skin providers to your existing poker room. Can sometimes get a better overall rakeback/VIP deal and still continue to play on the same network that you're used to and against the same players.
3. Need to consider all of the rakeback features, such as VIP player points, freerolls, added value tournaments etc. The headline RB% isn't always the best. #
4. Some vip player points are better suited to low stakes players than others, similarly for a higher stakes player or multi-grinder, look at the levels you are realistically able to achieve each month. All sites will give indication of how my points per $ raked and what you can do with those points.
5. Full Tilt due to relaunch next month, no idea yet on opening offers, but can almost guarantee they will want to relaunch with big promotional offers.
6. Don't forget to check out the offerings that Punters Lounge provide. Whilst the benefit isn't always obvious at first, all of the added value events, weekly leagues with big overlays come from an excellent relationship with the poker rooms. The more people who sign up via PL and the more they rake each month = bigger added value events in future ;)

# e.g. In the past Full Tilt gave a headline 27% rakeback which was great for small & medium stakes players, but PokerStars (0% headline rakeback) actually yielded a better return for the higher stakes players with up to 40% available via the VIP club. Hope this helps, sorry for wall of text, shout if clarification/further detail needed on any aspect. Bart

[Bart(UK)]

Re: Rakeback Sorry, just one more quick factor that you need to consider. Fishy'ness of the network! Often you can make a better overall return (higher profit on your actual play) on a weaker network without any rakeback than you make on a tougher more reg-based network with a headline % rakeback. Rakeback, be it headline rate or return via player points, freerolls, added value special promotions etc will always represent a small part of your overall return. Any rakeback should be viewed literally as a bonus, any slight improvement/plugging of minor leaks in your own game will always yield a better overall return. And a final thought... where do you enjoy playing? which network do you find easy and relaxing to play on? Also a good factor to consider when choosing.

[X__Gandalf__X]

Re: Rakeback Many thanks for the comprehensive reply! Quite a few issues to factor in. Will give it some thought. Thanks again.