A “rake” is a commission the casino or poker room take from each pot or from each hand in poker as payment for providing a play area. A rake is a method by which the casino and poker operators can make a profit on the game.

The key features of a rake:

A percentage of the pot: A rake is usually expressed as a percentage of the total pot size in each round. For example, if the rake is 5% and the pot reaches $100, the casino will take $5.

Maximum rake: In some games, there is a maximum limit on the size of the rake. For example, the maximum rake may equal $4 for certain tables. This means that even if the pot is worth more than $80, the casino will still only take $4.

Rake system: The method for collecting the rake may vary. For example, in cash games, the rake may be taken from each winning hand. In tournaments, the rake may be included in the buy-in or charged as a percentage of the pot in the final stages of the tournament.

Using the rake: The collected rake is usually used to cover the cost of equipping the tables, paying the dealers, and as profit for the casino or poker room.

The rake is an integral part of the poker game and an important source of income for poker establishments. When selecting a poker room or casino, players sometimes take the size of the rake and the way it’s collected into account, as this may have an impact on their winnings and how profitable the game is.