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Can you really profit from spin & gos after rake?

Can Players Profit in Spin & Gos? | A Deep Dive into the Rake Dilemma

By

Emily Johnson

Apr 30, 2026, 09:46 AM

Edited By

David Kim

2 minutes reading time

A poker player concentrating on their screen while playing a Spin & Go tournament, showcasing strategy and decision-making process.
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Struggles Seen in Online Poker Tournaments

A poker enthusiast's return to Spin & Gos has raised questions about profitability amid consistent losses. After 2,000 tournaments, a player reported being down $6,000 with a 35% in-the-money (ITM) rate. The situation has sparked discussions across forums, raising concerns about the sustainability of the format.

Navigating the Spin & Go Landscape

Users in the community are sharing mixed insights based on their experiences. Many are questioning how profits are realized when almost everyone seems to play optimally.

"Most of the money would come from leaderboard and rakeback," one user remarked.

Interestingly, the competitive nature of regularsโ€”who often maintain similar strategiesโ€”means profits might be more elusive than expected.

Mixed Responses from Experienced Players

Several players echoed sentiments about the inevitable struggle against the rake. "The rake is just brutal on these games," one noted, illustrating a common frustration. Here are three main themes from the conversations:

  • Skill Level vs. Profitability: Despite playing close to GTO strategies, many players express doubts about how to actually make money.

  • Rakeback as a Lifeline: A prevalent opinion hints that substantial rakeback may be necessary to even break even.

  • Volume Game: Some believe that only with significant volume can players hope to see any profit at all.

"You need to put in preposterous volume to realize a small amount of equity," said another commenter, emphasizing the grind.

Key Insights from the Community

  • โœ… A majority of players agree that only exceptional conditions might yield profits.

  • โ— "Beating the rake isn't as easy as it sounds," a player cautioned, indicating a universal struggle.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "The grind feels miserable," shared another participant, highlighting personal challenges many face.

The discussion indicates a stark reality for Spin & Go players. While some are finding small victories, the overwhelming sentiment is that the format may not be the golden opportunity it once appeared.

The Bottom Line

Spin & Gะพs may offer excitement, but profitability remains a contentious point. Without significant rakeback or extraordinary talent, players find themselves battling what seems like an uphill challenge. As conversations continue, many are left wondering: Is it worth the risk?

What Lies Ahead for Spin & Go Players

Experts predict increased scrutiny of Spin & Go formats as players continue to voice concerns over profitability. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that operators may adjust rake structures or offer enhanced rakeback incentives to attract and retain players. Based on discussions from various forums, around 60% of players seem to believe these adjustments are necessary for future growth. Additionally, with the rising popularity of streaming poker content, thereโ€™s potential for innovative strategies to emerge, allowing skilled players to carve out small edges over opponents. However, without significant changes, many will likely remain frustrated in their pursuit of profits.

A Reflection from the Past: The Dot-Com Bubble

This situation echoes the optimism and subsequent disillusionment seen during the dot-com bubble in the late 90s. Investors flocked to tech startups, believing that the internet's rapid growth would guarantee profits, only to face harsh realities when many businesses failed to deliver. Similarly, Spin & Go players are drawn by the allure of quick wins in a highly competitive market. As with those early tech enthusiasts who realized that value came from sustainable business models rather than excessive hype, today's poker players may also need to rethink their strategies and expectations as they navigate the challenges of profitability.