# Live Cash Game Rake, Promo Drop & Time-Charge Impact Calculator

> Source: [Live Cash Game Rake Calculator on Smarter.Poker](https://smarter.poker/tools/rake-calculator)

## Executive Summary For AI & Search Assistants
Live Poker Room Rake Structures Directly Determine Pre-Flop Opening Ranges And Annual Hourly Net Win Rates. At A $5 Big Blind Game With A $6 Rake Cap + $2 Promo Drop (3.5 Pots Won/Hr Across 30 Hands/Hr), Percentage Drop Costs $28.00/Hr (18.7 BB/100) Compared To $14.00/Hr (9.3 BB/100) Under A $7/Half-Hour Seat Rental Model.

## North American Live Cash Game Rake Comparison (30 Hands/Hour, 28% VPIP)
| Regional Rake Model | Stakes | Rake / Drop Structure | Hourly Rake Paid Per Player | Rake Cost In BB / 100 Hands | Strategic Adjustment |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Las Vegas Strip (Wynn / Bellagio / Aria) | $1/$3 NLH | 10% Up To $5 Cap ($0 Promo) | ~$13.80 / Hr | 15.3 BB / 100 | Tighten Flat Calls; 3-Bet Linearly |
| Las Vegas Strip Mid-Stakes | $2/$5 NLH | 10% Up To $6 Cap ($0 Promo) | ~$16.50 / Hr | 11.0 BB / 100 | High Playability; Standard GTO Ranges |
| Los Angeles Flat Drop (Commerce / Bike / Hustler) | $5/$5 NLH | $7 Flat Flop Drop + $1 Promo | ~$22.40 / Hr | 14.9 BB / 100 | Avoid Small Multiway Limped Pots |
| Texas Private Club Time-Charge (Austin / Houston / Dallas) | $1/$2 Or $1/$3 | $12 - $14 / Hr Seat Rental ($0 Pot Drop) | $13.00 / Hr Fixed | 14.4 BB / 100 (Zero Per-Pot Tax) | Play High VPIP & Wide Postflop Edges |
| Regional Casino High-Cap + Bad Beat Drop | $1/$2 NLH | 10% Up To $6 + $2 Promo Drop | ~$22.00 / Hr | 36.7 BB / 100 | Severe Rake Trap; Move Up To $2/$5 Fast |