By Alex Drummond, Editor-in-Chief · Last updated May 06, 2026 · Fact-checked by Maya Chen
PokerStars Ontario charges rake on cash games as a percentage of each pot, capped at a dollar maximum per hand. Tournament rake is charged as a separate fee on top of the buy-in. This page explains both structures in detail and compares them against the rest of the Ontario regulated market.
Cash-Game Rake
PokerStars Ontario's cash-game rake is charged at weighted contributed, tiered by stake, applied to the pot on any hand that reaches the flop. The cap scales with stake level: lower stakes have lower dollar caps, and higher stakes have higher dollar caps. The operator's in-client lobby discloses the exact cap for every stake.
Tournament Rake
Tournament entries on PokerStars Ontario carry a fee that typically ranges between seven and ten per cent of the buy-in, depending on the event. Larger guaranteed events and headline series often run with lower percentage fees; satellites and freerolls may have zero tournament rake where the operator is marketing the event.
Effective Cost
The effective rake a player pays per hour depends on VPIP, pot size distribution, and the number of hands played. Our rake calculator models the effective hourly cost across Ontario rooms.
How PokerStars Ontario Compares
PokerStars Ontario's rake is in line with the Ontario average. Players who care primarily about rake should cross-reference with the lowest-rake Ontario rooms comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PokerStars Ontario rake lower than other Ontario rooms?
PokerStars Ontario rake is consistent with the rest of the regulated market. Exact rates depend on stake level and format.
How can I minimise rake on PokerStars Ontario?
Avoid very small pots where the rake percentage is highest relative to the pot. Play at the highest stake level where your bankroll supports the cap structure.