What is online propping?
Props are players who are hired by rooms to start and save games. Rake Back Nation’s Prop Team matches rooms that need games with players who are willing to follow some basic rules in exchange for being compensated by the room. Players do not have to follow any set schedule, can play as little or as often as they like each week, and are generally paid directly into their account at the room every week. Figure out what you could make with our rake calculator.
How do I sign up?
Request signup info for the site(s) you’re interested in. We’ll send you an email with full information about the room, rules and pay. If everything looks good to you, you create an account at the room, fill out a quick form for us, and you’re good to go.
Not interested in following rules? Check out rake back offers where you play how and when you want.
What’s the catch?
There are two catches - one, sites that hire props are almost always newer or smaller rooms with minimal traffic. Two, your job is to start and save games, which often involves playing shorthanded. If you feel comfortable playing in those conditions, being an online prop is a great way to add a few bets to your expectation.
What sites are currently hiring online poker props?
The sites that we work with prefer not to publicly advertise that they hire props. To see what offers are currently available, request information via email using our info request form.
What if I check out a room and I don’t like it?
Then you don’t play there. We don’t sign you up for anything - you decide whether or not you like a room. You can request info on every room that we offer, and if you don’t like any of them, then that’s that. You can start propping and quit whenever you like, for whatever reason, and return again whenever you feel like it.
Do people really prop online? Why do rooms want to pay me to play poker?
Rooms want to pay you to play because they need players to get games running. Live poker rooms have used props for years, and online rooms are no different. It’s hard to get games running at a new site, because no one wants to be the first person to sit. Props get paid to be that first person.
If you still have questions or need more information, check out our Propping FAQ.
To learn more about propping in general, click here
>>Were you looking for our rake back FAQ? That’s here.
>>>Specific Questions - click on the header that most closely matches your question.
How much can I make, and how do I get paid?
What kind of rules do I have to follow?
Is there some kind of schedule involved?
Why are rooms willing to pay props so much?
What’s the difference between getting rake back and being a prop?
Will I have to play shorthanded?
Which rooms would I be working for?
How much do I have to deposit?
How will I know who other props are?
What does actively managed mean?
What is the difference between rake rebate and rake share?
What if I already have an account on the site?
If I multi, do I get paid for all the tables?
I only play NL, do I have to play limit or PLO or non holdem games?
Can I track what I’ve made during a given week?
What if I decide I don’t want to prop anymore, am I somehow obligated?
How much can I make, and how do I get paid?
There’s no limit to the amount you can make working as a prop - it’s all tied to how much you play. Sites usually pay you by returning part of the rake from each pot to you. Sites generally pay you a lump sum, once a week, directly into your account on that site.
What kind of rules do I have to follow?
When a site has seating rules, they’re usually pretty common sense rules designed to get more tables started. It’s nothing complex or draconian.
Is there some kind of schedule involved?
No, you can come and go at whatever times you like. Some sites require you to play a small minimum number of hands each week to remain active, but that’s about it
Why are rooms willing to pay props so much?
One of the great catch-22s of opening a poker room is that you can’t get customers without games, but you can’t get games without customers. Props help rooms solve this dilemma by providing highly productive players who take initiative and work to start games - a valuable service that rooms are willing to pay well to secure.
What’s the difference between getting rake back and being a prop?
First off, rakeback generally pays much less than propping. After that, the only difference is that props have to follow some simple rules and work with a team, whereas players on rake back generally play as they like.
| Propping | Rake Back | |
| Pay Rate | Higher %’s, often 100% rake returned | Lower %, generally in the 25-50% range |
| Rules | Props have to follow some basic rules concerning seating and behavior | Rake back players are usually not subject to any special rules |
| Game Selection | Sites that hire props tend to be smaller and have fewer games running at fewer limits | Rake back sites are often major sites with a wide variety of games |
| Schedule | Props do not have to follow a schedule; some sites may require you to play a minimum number of hands per week or month | Rake back players do not have to follow any schedule but may be subject to some minimum hand requirements |
Will I have to play shorthanded?
Yes, one of the functions of a prop is to start and save games. You will also get to play at full tables, but your priority is usually to start new action.
Does this ‘cost’ anything?
Absolutely not. You do, of course, have to fund your account, but there are no hidden fees, etc associated with sign up. We are just what we say we are - a prop team that refers players to sites that need props.
Which rooms would I be working for?
Our clients prefer that we don’t make that information clearly public, or else everyone would want the same rakeback rate. You’ll find out what sites you’d be working for before you sign up for anything
When do I get paid?
Generally every week for the previous week.
How much do I have to deposit?
Whatever amount you need to play the limits you wish to play. Prop players are not bankrolled by PTP or the site - you are required to fund your own bankroll.
How will I know who other props are?
We maintain a prop forum that has updated prop lists, promo and bonus information, prop chat and more.
What does actively managed mean?
It means that the site has certain seating rules props have to follow. Seating rules are usually simple, common sense rules that are easy to abide by.
What is the difference between hard rake (rake rebate) and rake share?
Sites calculate your rake contribution one of two ways - hard rake (which is sometimes called rake rebate) and rake share.
Rake Share is calculated by dividing the total rake dropped by the number of players dealt into the hand. So, if 10 players are dealt cards and the total rake taken from the pot is $1, each player is credited with having contributed .10 of rake (1.00/10).
Hard Rake or Rake Rebate is calculated by figuring how much rake a player actually contributed to the pot. Let’s say 4 players are dealt into a hand and two of them fold preflop. Since they didn’t pay any rake that hand, they don’t receive any credit. Let’s say the two remaining players in the hand go to showdown. Whatever rake is taken in that hand will be split equallty between those players, as they both contributed equally to the pot.
Do I qualify for any bonuses?
Generally speaking, props do not qualify for deposit bonuses, jackpots, etc. In some cases sites will make exceptions, but as a rule, no. However, sites do offer prop-only bonuses, and we frequently have incentives for props.
What if I already have an account on the site?
We may still be able to sign you up as a prop.
If I multi, do I get paid for all the tables?
Yes. You are paid for every hand you play or every time you contribute to the rake [depending on how the site’s pay is structured]
I only play NL, do I have to play limit or PLO or non holdem games [etc]?
No. You will never be asked to play limits or games that you’re not comfortable with.
Can I track what I’ve made during a given week?
Generally speaking, not directly. Some sites will let you track hand counts, and others will send you reports at the end of the week.
What if I decide I don’t want to prop anymore, am I somehow obligated?
No, you’re free to leave at any time with absolutely no consequences. In most cases, you’ll be eligible to return as a prop at a site even after a long absence.
