Whilst we are on the subject of poker – if you’re familiar with the world of online poker, you’ve probably heard about “poker propping” already.  If you’re not, well here goes – “poker propping” is about signing up to a poker prop deal, which is like a rakeback deal with a few differences.

For starters, poker prop deals are much more generous than square rakeback deals.  If a square rakeback deal offers you a maximum of around 50% rake rebate, a poker prop deal will offer you from 80% to 135% . That’s right, you’ll get over 100% rakeback – that means you’ll actually be paid to play poker!

This brings us to the first frequently asked question about poker propping – how can poker rooms afford to pay players to play poker on their poker site?  The answer is that poker rooms which hire poker props, are usually new, recently started operations that desperately need to secure a critical player liquidity.  They need to have player action at all the limits (maybe not on the extremely high ones) in order to attract and retain traffic to their site.

If there’s no action, a poker room cannot possibly expect to retain players who sign up and come looking for a good poker game.  This is why prop rooms have to pay their players.

Another difference between square rakeback deals and prop deals is that in exchange for being paid to play, you’ll have to give up certain rights as a poker prop.  You will not qualify to receive the regular sign-up bonus that the room advertises for instance.  Also, you’ll probably not be allowed to take part in any of the promotions offered by the room either.

But sometimes, special promotions are held, which allow for poker prop participation too.

As a poker prop you’ll be restricted to playing at certain limits.  The room needs action on some tables more than on others, so they’ll direct you to where you’re most needed.  You will not be allowed to wait in queue at a full table, you’ll have to open your own table instead.

You will generally have to sign in with the shift manager whenever you intend to prop.  He may not acknowledge your messages, but he will see them and he will message you personally if he wants you to play at a certain limit or if he sees you’re breaking the rules.

Being a poker prop is definitely not easy, yet it is one way to keep your bankroll going so that you can play more poker and become a winning player.