Rakeback is a reward that gives you back a share of what the casino expects to earn from your bets. Unlike a deposit bonus, it usually has no wagering requirement, which often makes it worth more than it looks.
How rakeback is calculated
The casino's expected profit on a bet is the bet × the house edge. Rakeback returns a percentage of that.
Rakeback = amount bet × house edge × rakeback %
Example: you bet a total of $5,000 on slots with a 4% house edge (96% RTP). The casino expects to earn $200. With 10% rakeback, you get $20 back.
Some casinos calculate rakeback on a fixed "edge" for all games; others use each game's actual edge. Read the terms.
Rakeback vs cashback
- Rakeback pays on every bet, win or lose, based on how much you play.
- Cashback pays a percentage of your net losses over a period. If you win, you get nothing.
For a steady player, rakeback is more predictable. For someone who has a bad week, cashback can pay more.
Rakeback vs deposit bonus
A $100 bonus with 35x wagering requires $3,500 in bets. At a 4% edge those bets cost about $140 on average, more than the bonus. Rakeback has no such catch: it's a small but real reduction of the house edge. Our bonus math guide shows the full numbers.
What rakeback can't do
It doesn't turn the edge in your favour. With 10% rakeback on a 4% edge, you still face a 3.6% edge. You will still lose over time; you'll just lose a little slower.
Questions to ask
- Is rakeback paid instantly, daily or weekly?
- Is it paid as cash or as bonus money with wagering?
- Does it apply to all games, including live tables and sports?
- Does it depend on a VIP level you have to keep up?
Rakeback paid as withdrawable cash, daily, on all games is the best version. Rakeback that needs a VIP level you can only reach by playing much more than you planned is a nudge to gamble more, not a gift.
Compare casino offers on the homepage ranking or in our crypto casino lists.