Top 3 PokerStars Alternatives – High Rakeback Rooms

In Nov 2015 PokerStars announced changes to its VIP program that will cap the maximum rakeback from rewards at 30%. Rake and the required volume to hit VIP levels were unchanged. Many high volume players were left looking for an alternative to PokerStars to earn worthwhile rakeback.

So what is the best poker site for rakeback pros going into 2016? Below are our top 3 PokerStars alternatives.

#1 Americas Cardroom (Winning Poker Network)

Americas Cardroom is the perfect supplementary site as any amount of play volume earns 27% rakeback, redeemable instantly on demand. Players must sign up via a rakeback affiliate site – e.g. the links on this page – to receive that deal rather than Elite benefits.

Base rake on ACR is higher than PokerStars’ but still competitive and balanced by the easier games with American players. HUD software is supported, something PokerStars suggested they’d be removing.

Players earn 41.6% rakeback while clearing the $1000 first deposit bonus. Unlike PokerStars, reload bonuses are frequent, e.g. during the recent Million Dollar Sundays promotional period, with $5M in tournament guarantees. If you’re a Spin & Go player looking for a PokerStars alternative, ACR has those too.

Like PokerStars, withdrawals are fast and reliable. Cashouts by debit card or check are processed in a matter of days, and Bitcoin withdrawals within hours.

ACR support is better than PokerStars’ under the current Amaya ownership – site reps are highly visible on social media, Twitch, and a dedicated 2+2 subforum. Check out our interview with CEO Phil Nagy.

Bonus PokerStars Alternative – Black Chip Poker

Players are allowed to open a second account at Winning Poker Network skin Black Chip Poker after ACR purely to clear the $1000 signup bonus and freeroll 41.6% rakeback again, then switch back. So called ‘bonus whoring’ is a great advantage to trying out several PokerStars alternatives. Again players must sign up via an affiliate.

Black Chip is an identical skin to Americas Cardroom, sharing the same playerpool and software.

#2 Winner Poker (iPoker)

Rakeback.com’s Winner Poker deal is 60% base rakeback for all players, or up to 70% for raking $2,000+ per month (around 25% more volume than Supernova pace on PokerStars). Rakeback is paid weekly.

However due to iPoker’s new source based rake system that is biased towards recreationals, winning grinders will likely see a significantly lower rakeback percentage than that. Some players on forums have reported earning 40 – 50% net rakeback.

Given iPoker’s higher rake, this could be estimated to be worth around 30% on PokerStars. Winner Poker could therefore still be a +EV alternative to PokerStars, given at least 30% effective rakeback regardless of volume.

Casual, net depositing players can receive higher rakeback, even upwards of 100%.

iPoker has Speed tables, an alternative to PokerStars’ Zoom games, Twister Spin & Gos, and supports HEM/PT.

#3 Nordicbet (Microgaming)

Rounding out our top three Rakeback.com PokerStars alternatives is Nordicbet – this Microgaming skin pays 30% flat rakeback weekly.

Rake is higher than PokerStars given the Euro currency tables, however part of that is made up for by the network’s rake races and SNG leagues.

Game quality is also generally considered weaker given the large numbers of fish crossing over from the casino. Multitabling is also less common.

Microgaming rooms also have a fast fold poker format, Blaze Poker. Spin & Gos are not yet available. HUDs are supported.

Soft Poker Sites

Other online poker rooms may still be worthwhile alternatives to PokerStars even with lower maximum rakeback, if games are soft, and you’re spreading action across multiple sites.

Below are some poker sites that almost made the list: