Higher rake to improve poker economy?

[Shizzmoney]

I think rake is evil, but I guess the article does bring forth counter points:

http://paonlinegambling.net/opinion-...m-higher-rake/

[Dan Druff]

Bovada uses this model.

They don't give rakeback anymore, and they offer promotions only to fish.

If you grind on there and either break even or show a profit, you get nothing. No rakeback, no bonuses, no loyalty benefits. You are actually the type of customer they DON'T want (but will tolerate).

Bovada is also the most successful US-facing poker room at the moment, but I think that's more a function of their longevity, good track record, fast payouts, and availability of a high-profile sportsbook.

I don't support raising the rake, though. The rake is too damn high. It is based upon rake at live card rooms, but online tables are MUCH cheaper to run than live tables for many reasons. The rake being too high is why Pokerstars has made such obscene money over the years.

If they raise the rake, many of these games will become unplayable for grinders.

[Shizzmoney]

Bovada uses this model.

They don't give rakeback anymore, and they offer promotions only to fish.

If you grind on there and either break even or show a profit, you get nothing. No rakeback, no bonuses, no loyalty benefits. You are actually the type of customer they DON'T want (but will tolerate).

Bovada is also the most successful US-facing poker room at the moment, but I think that's more a function of their longevity, good track record, fast payouts, and availability of a high-profile sportsbook.

I don't support raising the rake, though. The rake is too damn high. It is based upon rake at live card rooms, but online tables are MUCH cheaper to run than live tables for many reasons. The rake being too high is why Pokerstars has made such obscene money over the years.

If they raise the rake, many of these games will become unplayable for grinders.

Agreed

The traffic on Bovada you can tell is due to that sport betting access. Sunday MTTs have higher fields and lower ability of play.

I just think poker companies will continue to be nittier and nittier and we hit into economic weakness (again)