Choosing The Best Rakeback Deal

When choosing the best rakeback deal for you on SmartRakeback.com, there are a lot of factors to consider. Some are obvious, and easy to compare. Some take a little more investigating to understand the true value of the rakeback package. Weighing all these variables will show you which rakeback package is best for you. It will also help you decide if and when you should switch sites.

Before analyzing and comparing the data, it is important to understand what MGR is. MGR is your Monthly Gross Revenue, or your net rake. Each poker room calculates MGR differently. Many of these differences have a major impact on your rakeback earned.

The best way to figure out which rakeback deal is best for you, is to answer these questions:

Q1. What rakeback percentage is offered?

* This is an important variable to consider. Obviously, the higher the better. 30% is the standard rakeback rate in the industry. However, we have offers as low as 25% and as high as 50%.
* Of course, this is more significant for players who contribute a lot of MGR.
* Here is an Example: $500 MGR = $135 in rakeback with a 27% deal and $165 with a 33% deal. You earn an extra $30 a month. $1500 MGR =$405 at 27%, and $495 at 33%. You earn an extra $90.

Q2. Poker Rooms use three different methods when calculating and crediting MGR; Dealt, Contributed, or Weighted Contributed. Which is best for you? To find out which is best for you, you need to consider these variables:

* If you are a tighter than average player, then you will earn more money at a room that uses the Dealt Method compared to the other two.
* If you are a looser than average player, you will benefit from a Contributed method; and even more from a Contributed Weighted method.
* If you are average (in terms of tightness/looseness), then it doesn’t matter which method they use. You will still be getting your fair share of rake credited.
* If you only play sngs and mtts, then it doesn’t matter which method they use.
* If you only play Heads-Up Ring games, then it doesn’t matter what method they use.

Q3. It is also very important to identify what is deducted from MGR. At most poker rooms, the bonuses are deducted from MGR?

* This is a substantial difference for large bonuses. If you don’t get any bonuses at the site, then obviously, this has no affect on you.
* To calculate how much of an impact this will have on your bonus, all you need to do is take the (Bonus Amount) * (Rakeback%) = (Amount of Rakeback lost compared to Bonuses Included)
* Carbon Poker, Paradise Poker, Inter Poker, BetonBet, and SunPoker do not factor your bonuses into your MGR.
* Examples: Consider a 100% up to $1000 sign up bonus with 30% Rakeback. That means for your first $1000 paid in rake you will be earning 100% Rakeback (a 100% bonus, 0% rakeback). After the sign-up bonus is earned, you will earn 30% rakeback. Another way to look at it is if you clear a $250 bonus and had a MGR of $750, you would only receive rakeback on $500.

Q4. What else is deducted from MGR?

* Some rooms deduct prizes earned from loyalty points.
* Some deduct Deposit Fees.
* Some deduct purchases at their VIP stores.
* And many other items; check the terms and conditions for each room you play at.

Q5. Are Tournament Fees added to MGR?

* This is most important for players who play a significant number of SNGs and/or MTTs.
* To see how much of an impact this has on you, just estimate how many SNGs/MTTs you will play in a month and how much in MGR the tourney fees total up to.

Q6. What else is the Poker room providing?

* Private Freerolls: To determine the value of a freeroll, (Total Prize) / (# of Entrants)
* Rake Races: Most poker rooms give you VIP rewards in addition to your rakeback.
* In House SmartRakeback Loyalty Program
* VIP Store
* Consider the Sign-Up Bonuses, both percentage and maximum allowed. Also, check for Reload Bonuses, percentage and maximum.