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PokerStars Raises Rake Across US and Ontario: Here’s What It Means for Players

PokerStars Raises Rake Across US and Ontario: Here’s What It Means for Players
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Iva Dozet News Editor
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: December 20, 2024 · 2 minutes to read

On November 12th, 2024, PokerStars increased its rake across North America, impacting cash games in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. This marks a significant shift for the operator, aligning its fees more closely with competitors in the region.

The changes, which come as the market grows increasingly competitive, affect stakes from micro to high limits. PokerStars has justified the move as necessary to match industry standards while maintaining features like trusted game integrity, strong rewards, and diverse game offerings. Here’s a closer look at what’s changed and how it compares to the rest of the market.

What Changed in PokerStars’ Rake Structure?

The rake increase applies to all stakes, with micro and low-stakes players feeling the most impact. In Ontario, for instance, the lowest stakes (2NL) saw a percentage increase from 3.5% to 5.5% — a 57% jump. The rake at 10NL and 25NL rose from 4.5% to 5.5%, while stakes from 50NL to 500NL saw a 10% increase, from 5% to 5.5%.

In the US, similar adjustments occurred, with 2NL moving from 4.5% to 5.5% and stakes 5NL and above increasing by 10%, from 5% to 5.5%. High-stakes games of 1000NL and above retained their 5% rake percentage, though caps rose slightly. The tables below summarize the changes.

PokerStars Rake Changes – US

StakesOld Rake (%)New Rake (%)Old CapNew Cap
2NL4.50%5.50%$0.30$0.50
5NL–500NL5%5.50%$4.00$8.00
1000NL+5%5%$4.00$4.50

PokerStars Rake Changes – Ontario

StakesOld Rake (%)New Rake (%)Old CapNew Cap
2NL3.50%5.50%$0.30$0.50
10NL–500NL4.50%–5%5.50%$4.00$8.00
1000NL+4.50%5%$4.00$4.50

How PokerStars Now Compares to Competitors

While PokerStars’ rake structure is now more aligned with other operators, it no longer positions itself as one of the lowest-cost options in the market.

For example, BetRivers charges a lower 4.5% rake at 2NL and 4.75% across most other stakes. WSOP Online matches PokerStars’ 5.5% rake at micro stakes but drops to just 3% at high stakes. In Ontario, GGPoker maintains a flat 5% rake, slightly undercutting PokerStars, while BetMGM matches PokerStars at 5.5%.

Competitor Rake Comparison (US)

OperatorMicro Stakes (2NL)Low Stakes (5NL–50NL)High Stakes (100NL+)Rewards Program
PokerStars5.50%5.50%5.00%Up to 33%
WSOP Online5.50%4.75%3.00%Up to 35%
BetRivers4.50%4.75%4.75%TBD
GGPoker5.00%5.00%5.00%TBD

PokerStars Justifies the Adjustment

PokerStars stated the increase was necessary to match competitors and address rising industry costs. “PokerStars’ rake across its North American licenses had been somewhat lower than its competitors, and the commercial decision was made to bring this in line with other poker sites,” the operator explained.

They further highlighted that their rake had remained unchanged for years to provide consistent value for players, even as the industry evolved. PokerStars emphasized its ongoing commitment to offering the best rewards and trusted game integrity in the market.

Player Impact and the Future of Poker in North America

The rake increase may challenge PokerStars’ appeal among high-volume players, particularly grinders, who rely on low costs to sustain profitability. However, the operator’s robust rewards program — offering up to 33% rakeback in the US — may mitigate some of the dissatisfaction.

Casual players, less sensitive to rake adjustments, may not notice the changes as profoundly. However, with new competitors like BetRivers promoting themselves as lower-cost options, PokerStars could face increased pressure to retain player loyalty.

While the operator claims the changes are in line with market trends, it remains to be seen how these adjustments will influence player behavior and whether other operators will follow suit.

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