(Raked) Club Game Containment Thread

[2OutsNoProb]

Originally Posted by The Palimax

I can only assume that you want to have an argument for the sake of having one, as you're the only person who suggested the difference wasn't relevant.

I'm merely indicating that a lot of money leaves games that we recognize to have "reasonable" rakes as well.

And the majority of people lose in those games, so obviously virtually everyone will in this one.

[The Palimax]

Originally Posted by 2OutsNoProb

And the majority of people lose in those games, so obviously virtually everyone will in this one.

Exactly the point of my original post.

[hdrtdg]

I run a home game too. We have a weekly tournament with Finishers getting points towards a year end champions tournament and the winner gets sent to a local tourney.

As far as bonuses for the cash games go we give out-

Aces cracked - once per day
High hand - ( quads or straight flush ) Once per day
Bad Beat jackpot - aces full of x beaten by quads
Gas card - two preselected numbers are drawn from the deck at the start of a session and written on the white board. Hole cards with both numbers as two pair gets a gas card at a local nearby gas station

Any other ideas for bonuses to be given out?

[smartacus]

1/3 game I play in gives a royal bonus. 1k if it's spades, 500 all other suits

[avaholic]

I assume you are raking to give out these "bonuses". If so, then you are not running a "home" game.

[DavidNB]

You have alot now, unless you plan on dropping some bonuses and adding new. Anyways, is this a raked game? How do you pay for the bonuses?

I would only keep
Aces cracked - once per day
Bad Beat jackpot - aces full of x beaten by quads
Royal Flush-once per day

[eneely]

I moved this to the Club Game thread, because this is not a home game topic.

[Monday Night Poker]

Originally Posted by DaveDel

I run a game every week and have never even thought of taking a rake despite the fact I could probably generate $30-40K a year if I did.

The reason for me is simple. It's just not worth it. I understand the risk of getting caught is probably minimal but if you do it will cost you way more than whatever you could possibly make running a small raked game. It's not the legal defense costs that I am most worried about it's these three letters, IRS.
You get caught and they can prove you ran game for profit and didn't report the income, you're screwed.

As I already said, I think the chances of getting caught are probably slim but if it happens you'll wish you never did it.

I agree 100%.
I run a rake-free game every week.
The potential rake is not the worth the risk.

[eneely]

That is all fine and I agree, but this discussion is now in the thread where raked game discussions are appropriate. There is no reason to argue against rakes in this thread. They exist and people choose to play in them. Nothing wrong with that.

[Coasterbrad]

Hey home game players,

I have a few questions about safety/legality regarding home games that I'd like to ask. I currently deal poker for a casino entertainment company and am looking to start dealing at a poker room in the future. Right now I am considering trying to get a gig dealing at some home games in the area.

If I am offered a job dealing a home game I would like to know what I should be looking out for to protect myself. I obviously would want to meet with the host and get a feel for the game beforehand as I do not want to put myself in a potentially dangerous situation. That being said, I would like your thoughts on the safety of being involved in a home game as the dealer. If the game were to be busted by the police (how common is this?), what consequences could come from being the dealer? Any other thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[psandman]

Being a dealer is almost surely going to put you among the worst position if the game is busted.

What should you be looking for ...... My primary questions would be about the clientele. If you are getting old time seasoned underground gamblers I'm less worried then games filled with post poker boom kids (who tend to talk to much) and yuppy type young professionals...... The old time guys have a sense of discretion. Is the game openly advertised? (walk away ..... fast)

And most importantly understanding your risks ........ is the compensation sufficient to take those risks........ I work in a casino for minimum wage and tips. Put me in a place where I have a good chance of being arrested or robbed have no workers compensation or unemployment insurance protections and I ain't doing that for the same money .... I'm wanting a piece of the drop (unless the tipping at this joint is over the top good)

[Schmendr1ck]

Since the large majority of "home games" that use professional dealers are actually going to be underground clubs, I've moved this discussion to the containment thread.

That said, I think psandman has made some excellent points to think about. It comes down to this IMO: Is the money and experience you'll gain worth the risk of getting arrested for facilitation of illegal gambling? If you do get arrested and possibly convicted, what impact will that have on your ability to get a casino job in the future?

[Coasterbrad]

Thank you both for the input and for moving this to the proper place. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

How does it change if the game is not raked and I am working just for tips? Significantly safer or still something to shy away from?

[pokertaxer]

I played in a "house game" last night. The typical 1/2 NLH game. I noticed on a few occassions the dealer was raking more than the "cap." Typically this was in big pots, which made it hard to notice because 1) the pot was big and 2) the excitment of the hand made it very difficult to see a quick rakeoff of a couple of redbirds.

My question to you guys is have you ever seen this type of thing. As more importantly, I personally find it really hard to watch the dealer do the rake. Some are so fast and so good at it, it is almost impossible to see how much is taken. Do you guys watch the rakeoff? Obviously one can do a very careful count of the pot thinking about all bets, but I find an exact count difficult as well. If you saw an overrake would you say anything?? In some ways it is like accusing the dealer of cheating. I'm not sure what the best course of action would be. If I saw a player cheat I don't think my first reaction would be to say something.

After seeing this I understand how that dealer at the Bellagio was able to cop high value chips out of the big games without getting caught.

Be careful my friends. The rake is our toughest villian. He always wins.

[eneely]

Is there a cap on the rake? If not, yikes.

I don't think the dealer should be dropping the rake so fast that the amount is not apparent. I hope some proper dealers we have posting in this forum chime in. But I think the rake should be set out for all to see before it is dropped.