PokerStars Shakes Up Rakeback System, Players Brace for Changes

PokerStars has announced a significant change to its rakeback system, which is set to impact many players. The company will replace its current monthly rakeback model with a new system that considers various factors, including how much, how often, and what games players participate in, as well as their deposit and cashout balances.

Sevein Rasse, the operational and innovative director of PokerStars, stated that the changes may negatively impact players. In a letter sent to players in early April, Rasse noted that the new system will be launched in Denmark no earlier than the end of May, with other countries following in the summer. Players are being notified in advance to allow them to plan their actions.

The new system may result in players receiving up to 85% less rakeback than before. PokerStars introduced a new format called 'Duels' in February 2016, which was designed for mobile users and aimed to provide a strategic depth similar to heads-up poker. However, the 'Duels' format was discontinued four months after its beta launch. Alexei 'Filhjg' Granovsky, a blogger known for his 'Microlimits with Filhjg' blog, mentioned that without rakeback, his earnings would drop significantly, and he might switch to other poker rooms.