Poker Rooms

PokerStars Implements Rake Increase and Other Game Changes

Explore the recent game changes PokerStars made to their site, ranging from a rake increase, streamlining games, and more in preparation for new game formats.
author-picture Admin - 2023. August 17.

PokerStars Rake Increase and Other Changes

PokerStars has significantly changed its platform in the last few months. From the brand’s recent power path reveal to its adjusted Spin and Go structure, the room is constantly evolving to attract new players. It has implemented more game changes in its strategy to overcome the low cash game figures the poker room has experienced.



Recent Changes to PokerStars Games

Players will experience a change to the brand’s game lobby as various changes are present. The brand has implemented most of the adjustments since the 9th of August, but some changes have been delayed.

Rake Increase

PokerStars restructured the rake structure for Heads-Up Sit & Go games. According to experts, this decision is quite controversial as it significantly increases the rake. Now, micro games will have up to 6% rake, while high stakes games have up to 4% rake, almost double the previous figures.


Many players are unhappy with this change, but the operator stated it was required after years of not increasing the game’s rake. The operator states that the stakes remain below other competitive stakes in this game type. Nevertheless, it might lower the game’s appeal in players’ eyes.

Eliminated Currencies

Further, games are streamlined by removing the option to use EUR or GBP while playing. Cash game players now only have access to USD cash game tables, which is supposed to streamline the game lobby and help players find open tables.


However, it can also deal a blow, however insignificant it may be, to PokerStars’ already low cash game figures. To try and combat this, the operator stated players can still enjoy games in their local currency using the Home Game features, which lets them create their own games. This currency removal also doesn’t apply to satellite events in live tournaments.

Removal of Special Tabs

Lastly, the poker room still aims to adjust the game lobby, removing special tabs for games like 6+ and Tempest Hold ’em. It’ll remove the blind lobby system, which can eliminate time penalties. However, it also makes space for a possible Mystery Bounty format tab.


GGPoker was one of the first poker rooms to make the Mystery Bounty format as popular as it is today, and now many brands are jumping onto the bandwagon. PokerStars is only one of many, which includes other big names, like 888poker.

How Will PokerStars Change Further?

PokerStars’ cash game figures are sitting at around half of what GGPoker’s is. Due to this significant change in figures, the poker room implements various changes to make their games more appealing. While we’re not sure a rake increase is the way to do it, it might be in preparation to follow GGPoker’s footsteps and implement Mystery Bounty tournaments on its platform.


We have to wonder whether the previous poker king will make more changes to their game formats and lobby, introducing a new PokerStars platform. Regardless of what steps it takes, we’ll be here to see and show what changes are in store for players.

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