How are poker sites actually profitable?

ne0npipe · Jun 25, 2026

Are most poker players grinders who build a bankroll from scratch, or am I mistaken?

fundiver199 · Jun 25, 2026

Yes u are mistaken. Most play for fun and are net depositors.

bremp555 · Jun 25, 2026

Most players aren’t grinders building from zero all the way up. That story gets a lot of attention because it’s inspiring, but I think it’s less common than people imagine.

A lot of players redeposit, move up too early, move down again, or treat poker as entertainment with occasional serious periods. The grinders who actually grow a bankroll consistently are just more visible because they last longer and talk more about process.

poker sites don’t really need everyone to win. They need people to keep playing. The ecosystem works because players have different goals, different skill levels, and different relationships with the game.

Flyer35 · Jun 25, 2026

ne0npipe said:
Are most poker players grinders who build a bankroll from scratch, or am I mistaken?

I wouldn't be surprised if many of those are people who call home an underdeveloped country where the US dollar is valued at a premium. While five dollars is throwaway money in developed countries, it's a serious start in underdeveloped countries.

I think a lot of us lose our bankrolls because we take chances with money we can easily afford to lose. But playing carefully and with discipline is usually the key to success.

I don't know, but that's how I would see it.

romerim · Jun 25, 2026

Most people play for fun and lose. Professionals are rare (5%); they study extensively, and nowadays, many rely on backing from poker teams (staking) rather than starting from scratch.

Omar.Imrane · Jun 25, 2026

I think building a bankroll from scratch is much harder than many people make it sound. A lot of successful players talk about it because it makes for a good story, but many also started with a deposit, bonuses, or some financial support along the way.

It's definitely possible, but it requires a lot of volume, discipline, patience, and a bit of good timing. Most players who try it either give up or cash out their winnings before the bankroll has a chance to grow significantly.

R.Melnyk77 · Jun 25, 2026

ne0npipe said:
Are most poker players grinders who build a bankroll from scratch, or am I mistaken?

You are wrong. Most players, about 80% are players who just spend money on the game. Those who build a bankroll with the help of freerolls and do not spend their own money, I think there are less than 20%.

doom · Jun 25, 2026

grinders play more then 1 table so you see them more on your table

thedarkman · Jun 25, 2026

Rake and tournament fees to begin with.

Poker Orifice · Jun 25, 2026

ne0npipe said:
Are most poker players grinders who build a bankroll from scratch, or am I mistaken?

Your thread title is confusing... in the title it appears that you're asking how a pokersite makes money but then your first post you are asking if most grinders start from scratch???

Pokersite makes money via the rake &/or tournament fees.

Many players I've seen started out right away at mid-stakes but this is back 10-15years ago now.

ne0npipe · Jun 25, 2026

thedarkman said:
Rake and tournament fees to begin with.

The tournament payouts don't always add up in my head. Sometimes it looks like the site is paying out more than it's taking in.

ne0npipe · Jun 25, 2026

Poker Orifice said:
Your thread title is confusing... in the title it appears that you're asking how a pokersite makes money but then your first post you are asking if most grinders start from scratch???
Pokersite makes money via the rake &/or tournament fees.

Many players I've seen started out right away at mid-stakes but this is back 10-15years ago now.

You're right, the title could have been clearer. I was mainly asking how poker sites stay profitable, which led me to wonder how many players actually deposit versus build a bankroll from scratch. Thanks for the explanation.

bowserdon · Jun 25, 2026

most lose

burro · Jun 25, 2026

I think poker sites make money primarily from rake, tournament fees, and players who keep depositing.
Free tournaments and promotions are probably part of their marketing budget. They distribute some money to keep players active, but of course that money comes from the profit the site already makes.

ExMoroccan · Jun 25, 2026

sites make money from rake and the spin n gold stuff when you hit x2 wheel but the people in the table are 3 or more

Coolcassv9. · Jun 25, 2026

earning commissions from tournaments and sponsorships

thwenth1983 · 2026-07-05T06:52:25-0400

Good morning, everyone!

It really varies from player to player. Take the example of the Brazilian player Yuri, who said that at the beginning of his career he joined a poker stable, and just one year later he was already playing $1,000 MTTs. Of course, he's someone with above-average intelligence, and on top of that, he has a natural talent for poker.

In my opinion, the fastest way for a player to reach the top and compete in high-stakes MTTs against the best players in the world is by joining a good poker stable. Besides the backing, the coaching, knowledge sharing, and overall learning environment usually help players improve much faster than trying to do it all on their own.

anasslaaleg · 2026-07-06T07:53:21-0400

Poker sites don’t need to beat players to make money they profit from the action itself.
Their main income comes from rake in cash games and tournament fees in MTTs and sit & gos. The more hands and tournaments played, the more revenue they generate.
That’s why poker sites want traffic, promotions, and active players. Their business isn’t about winning pots it’s about keeping the tables running.

How are poker sites actually profitable?

ne0npipe

Rock Star

fundiver199

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bremp555

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Flyer35

Per Ardua ad Astra

romerim

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Omar.Imrane

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R.Melnyk77

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doom

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thedarkman

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Poker Orifice

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ne0npipe

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ne0npipe

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bowserdon

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burro

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ExMoroccan

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Coolcassv9.

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thwenth1983

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