how do casinos make money off of poker?

I've found that the time rental for higher stakes was usually 2bb per player every time dealer changed, every 30 min or so. Rake is usually 10% of pot capped at 8-10bb and tournament fee/rake is between 10-20% of buyin with the larger the buyin the smaller the fee as a percentage. And then there's the golden nugget with their daily 45$ tournament with almost half the buyin raked by the house. 

For every hand, each player has to place an ante amount, and that ante amount from each player is raked in and placed into the casino's piggy bank. That's how a casino profits from poker players.

Hi @SnopFrog!

Great question. Casinos primarily make money off of poker through something called the "rake." 

Here's a breakdown:

• The Rake: This is a small percentage taken from each pot in a cash game. For example, if you're playing at a table and the pot reaches $100, the casino might take $5 as their rake. This is their primary way of earning from poker games.
• Tournament Fees: If you've ever played in a poker tournament at a casino, you've probably noticed an entry fee. Part of this fee goes to the prize pool, but a portion is kept by the casino as their revenue.
• Selling Drinks and Food: While you're engrossed in the game, you might order drinks or food. These are often priced higher in the casino setting, and they make a tidy profit from these sales.
• Time Charge: Some high-stakes games or private poker rooms charge players by the hour instead of taking a rake from the pot.

It's essential to remember that poker is different from other casino games. 

In games like blackjack or slots, you're playing against the house, and they have a built-in edge. 

In poker, you're playing against other players, and the casino makes money from the services they provide (like the dealer, the table, the ambiance) rather than the game's outcome.

Lastly, poker is a game of skill as much as it is of luck. If you're consistently not winning, it might be worth studying the game more, practicing, or even getting some coaching. 

But always remember to play responsibly and within your limits! Cheers!