Ongame Rakeback and VIP Bonus Poker Network Software
Rakeback deals are not permitted on the Ongame Poker Network, but they do offer very generous rewards systems, below is an example of one such VIP Bonus program from Betsafe Poker. While you might be enticed to seek out rakeback deals that are against the terms and conditions of network policy, you should also be warned that Ongame recently ring fenced cash game tables for skins such as Betfair, Betsafe and Betsson. These three skins undoubtedly bring the highest number of recreational players to the network, so for the extra rakeback you may earn with under the table deals, you won't have access to the better player pools at certain stakes.
When bonuses, vip loyalty rewards, rake races and various other promotions are all taken into account (and they run regularly) you can actually earn up to 60% rakeback on some rewards, to add to this, you'll have access to the ring fenced tables.
Ongame Rakeback
Currently at Betsafe Poker, players are eligible for the VIP Cash Back program. Players can earn up to %40 cash back monthly simply by playing real money games. The program is split into 4 levels.
Silver: Earn 1-999 player points in any calendar month to achieve this level. Rewards will be 8-12% cash back every month.
Gold: Earn 1000-2999 pplayer points in a calendar month. Players at Gold level will receive 12-16% cash back monthly.
Platinum: Earn 3,000+ player points in any calendar month. Rewards will be 16-20% cash back monthly.
Diamond: Earn 72,000+ player points in 12 calendar months. Player rewards will be 30-40% cash back every month.
Player points are earned at a rate 3.6 for every $1 in rake/tournament fee contributed. Every month your levels reset back to zero and will be recalculated at the end of the month. If at any time in a 12 month span a player earns 72,000 player points, they will automaticcally be placed in the Diamond Elite VIP level. To remain Diamond Elite you must earn the 12 month requirement of 72,000 points. All players must use the opt in form to start earning rewards from this program.
Traffic
The Ongame Poker Network has solid traffic with an average of 14,000 players on at all times, so finding a game won't prove difficult, however there is something worth consdiering when choosing which room to play on. Betfair, Betsafe and Betsson recently ring fenced their cash games up to $2/$4, while their VIP or bonus scheme may not be quite as rewarding as Betsafe, the potentially softer games could make up for this, or potentially make it more profitable to play on those skins.
Rake Structure
The Ongame Poker Network uses the contributed rake method to calculate player points. A maximum of 5% up to $3 is taken from every pot. The network utilises the Ongame essence rakeback calculation system, not too many are really sure how exactly this operates, put simply, it gives the weaker players a slightly better rakeback % giving them better rewards, so winning players may not get quite as much rake back as they expect from their VIP bonus deals.