Can you play a Home game with rake?

PhatPots · #1 06-12-2005, 11:30 PM

Normally I play a $10 tourney with friends and we allow rebuys. One guy who I have begun to play with tells me that his friend plays a 5/10 game at his place. He invited me a few times to come and play. This 5/10 game is raked. He and I were arguing and I was saying that I would never play in a raked home game. I play at the casino because they have a professional dealer, the game is protected, and free drinks.

He claims that his friend provides drinks.... but still, I don't think that friends should charge each other a rake. What does everyone else think? I would rather go to the casino and play there.

Pots

RiverTheNuts · #2 06-13-2005, 01:43 AM

Taking a rake at a home game is most def. illegal and shady, call the po-po's

bolgenmod · #3 06-13-2005, 02:08 AM

It's totally illegal. I'm no lawyer, but in many states what makes a friendly home game legal is that there is no rake. (Any game played for money is illegal in other states.) It's hard to believe that a home game would be raided, but it has happened.

After all, it's one thing to ask people to voluntarily contribute a couple of bucks for drinks etc, but a whole different thing to charge an actual rake. Just say no.

KenProspero · #4 06-13-2005, 08:19 AM

IMO, the 'rake' is what defines the difference between a friendly home game and an illegal casino.

I hear your friend saying that his friend is buying the drinks, but, if he's raking the pot on a 5/10 game, I suspect he's making more than a bit of a profit. For a friendly game, have everyone kick in a few bucks for pizza and beer (or bring their own beer) whatever.

This being said, I think you have an eloquent way of showing that your disapproval, which won't even get your friend upset with you.

Simply decline to play at this game.

Ghazban · #5 06-13-2005, 09:13 AM

How do you define a "home game"? I play in a non-tournament game at a person's apartment that has professional dealers, free food and drink, and a masseuse (the massages are extra but reasonably priced). Its kind of a small scale version of the NYC poker clubs but I'd still consider it a home game. I believe its technically illegal in the area I live but I'm not losing sleep over it.

bigcountry · #6 06-13-2005, 02:46 PM

yeah buddy,
raking at home games is illegal. so someone should let ur friend know that he is doing a no no in the home poker world. and on a personal note, friends don't rake pots at home games, what is he trying to pull.

Lottery Larry · #7 06-13-2005, 05:47 PM

Unless the rake is capped at a max amount per night (for expenses) or is somehow something other than a profit-generator for the host, this is not a "home game" as I define it.

It is an underground card game/card room. His "friend" isn't too friendly.

smoore · #8 06-13-2005, 10:15 PM

If the dealers are good and there is some form of security to go along with the booze and free food, I'd play in it. 10% to $3, no more. Better have lots of fish for me to play with.

a1doug182 · #9 06-14-2005, 03:56 PM

Yes it is illegal but you know it is raked going in. If you don't like that, don't play. It shouldn't be a big deal if everyone knows up front. Take it or leave it, it's not worth argueing over. Just my opinion

SirPsycho · #10 06-14-2005, 07:42 PM

I have played in several "raked" tournaments. Though, they are not all considered "home" games since some were at clubhouses, etc. If you are actually getting something for the rake and know about it beforehand, I don't mind it. One tournament had dealers at every table - and they were GREAT dealers! Of course, the games at the clubhouse have to pay a rental fee - plus, they are catered - so this is worth it. However, I did play at a game that had a 25% rake ($5 on a $20 buy-in) that I was not aware of until I arrived. The excuse for the rake was to pay for the tables they bought! There was no food, drinks, or dealers (you even had to go around the corner outside for the "bathroom"). This is not justification for a rake, and I will not be going back to that game.