How poker clubs work: hosts, agents, unions and rakeback
An online poker club is a private group inside a poker app. The person who runs it is the club host (or owner). Clubs can be tiny groups of friends or big communities with thousands of players.
The roles
Section titled “The roles”- Platform: the app itself (KKPoker, PPPoker, ClubGG and others). It provides the software and the tables.
- Club host: creates the club, sets up tables and tournaments, and earns a share of the rake its players generate.
- Agent: a person who brings players to a club and often handles their deposits, withdrawals and rakeback.
- Union (or alliance): several clubs that share their tables, so players see bigger games and more traffic.
Where the rake goes
Section titled “Where the rake goes”Every pot pays rake. Depending on the platform, it’s split between the platform, the club, and sometimes the union and agent. That share is what clubs use to pay rakeback to members. See rake and rakeback.
Who holds your money?
Section titled “Who holds your money?”This is the question that matters most.
| Model | How money moves | Your risk |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed room with clubs (e.g. KKPoker) | You deposit to the operator’s cashier | Low, the operator is regulated |
| Club app with agents (e.g. many PPPoker and ClubGG clubs) | You pay the club or agent, who credits chips | You depend on that person paying you |
Questions to ask before joining a club
Section titled “Questions to ask before joining a club”- Where do I deposit and withdraw, and how long do withdrawals take?
- Is the platform licensed, and by whom? See how to check a licence.
- What rakeback do I get, and when is it paid?
- How does the club deal with cheating and bots?
- Is the club part of a union, and which one?
Read poker clubs explained, club or regular poker site? and safety in club apps. Want a club with a licensed cashier and real support? Join PokerPal.
What is a poker club?
Section titled “What is a poker club?”A private group inside a poker app, run by a club host, with its own tables, tournaments and rewards.
What is a poker agent?
Section titled “What is a poker agent?”A person who brings players to a club and often handles their deposits, withdrawals and rakeback.
What is a poker union?
Section titled “What is a poker union?”An alliance of clubs that share tables so players get more games and traffic.
What should I check before joining a club?
Section titled “What should I check before joining a club?”Who holds your money, whether the platform is licensed, the rakeback terms and how cheating is handled.