Why are people raising preflop on the PP bad beat tables?

[pipster]

I think a lot of that depends on what the qualifying conditions for the badbeat are. On Partypoker it is 4 of a kind 8's or better losing, use 2 from hand.

Which means the only hands that would really help to hit that are pocket pairs and suited connectors. You could in theory hit it with Ax or Kx on a 88899 board (pocket 9's beating K8).

A raise isn't going to drive out any pocket pair 8's or better, and many suited connectors will call as well. (especially if you are raising from position like most people would be). So it doesn't really lower your chances of hitting the Bad Beat.. and it does raise your win rate. So win/win!