How Much Money Can You Make in Online Poker?

Have you ever wondered if playing poker online could turn into a profitable side hustle—or even a full-time career? You’re not alone! Many players dream of making money from the game they love, but understanding the potential earnings and what it takes to succeed is key.

Online poker isn't just about luck; it's a game of skill, strategy, and persistence. From micro-stakes grinders earning a few hundred bucks a month to high-stakes pros raking in thousands, there’s a wide spectrum of opportunities waiting for you. But how much can you really earn?

In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that influence online poker income, earnings by stakes, tips to boost your profits, and whether going pro is worth it. 

Understanding Online Poker Earnings

Online poker can be a lucrative endeavor to make money online, but just how much you can earn depends on several factors. From your skill level to the types of games you play, every aspect influences your bottom line. 

Let’s break it all down so you can get a clear picture of what to expect and how to maximize your earnings.

Factors That Influence Online Poker Income

When it comes to making money playing poker online, it’s not as simple as winning a few games. Consistent earnings require strategy, dedication, and an understanding of the game. Here’s what impacts your online poker income:

Skill Level and Strategy

Your skill level is the most significant factor in determining how much you can earn. Beginners may find it challenging to maintain steady winnings, while seasoned players with solid strategies can regularly beat the game. Understanding poker odds, mastering bluffing, and reading opponents are essential skills for improving your earnings.

Hours Played Per Week

Consistency is key in online poker. The more you play, the better your chances of increasing your winnings. However, hours alone aren’t enough—you need quality playtime. Ten focused hours at mid-stakes games can be more profitable than 40 hours at low stakes.

Example: A casual player putting in 10 hours a week may earn a modest $150/month at micro stakes, while a full-time player grinding 40 hours weekly at higher stakes could make over $2,000/month.

Types of Games and Stakes

The stakes you play and the games you choose (cash games, tournaments, or sit-and-go's) significantly affect your income.

• Micro Stakes ($2NL to $10NL): Ideal for beginners, offering $100–$400/month.
• Low Stakes ($25NL to $50NL): Suitable for intermediate players, with potential earnings of $700–$1,200/month.
• Mid Stakes and High Stakes ($100NL+): For advanced players, these stakes can bring in $2,000–$10,000/month or more.

Each type of game—cash, tournament, or sit-and-go—has its unique payout structure and variance. Choosing the right one depends on your skills and preferences.

Variance and Win Rate

Poker is a game of skill, but luck plays a role in the short term. Variance can cause swings in your bankroll, meaning even the best players face losing streaks.

Your win rate (measured in big blinds per 100 hands) determines long-term profitability. A consistent win rate of 5 big blinds/100 hands at low stakes is a good benchmark for steady earnings.

How Online Poker Sites Make Money

While you’re playing to win, online poker sites are also earning their share. Understanding how they profit can help you manage your expenses and maximize your income.

Rake and Fees

Online poker sites make money through rake, a small percentage taken from each pot in cash games or entry fees in tournaments. Typically, the rake ranges from 2.5% to 10%, depending on the stakes and the platform.

Pro Tip: Look for platforms offering rakeback programs where a portion of the rake is returned to you. This can add a significant boost to your overall earnings, especially for high-volume players.

Tournaments and Promotions

Poker sites often host tournaments and offer promotions to attract players. These events generate revenue through entry fees while providing players with opportunities for big payouts. Participating in these can be highly profitable if you play strategically.

For example:

• Freerolls: Great for beginners to build their bankroll without investment.
• Guaranteed Prize Tournaments: Offer substantial rewards for skilled players.

Poker Income by Stakes: A Practical Guide

If you're serious about understanding how much money you can realistically make playing online poker, breaking it down by stakes is key. Earnings vary widely depending on the stakes you play, your strategy, and your time commitment. Let’s explore the real-world potential for each level, from micro stakes to high-stakes games, with actionable insights.

Micro Stakes Poker Winnings: Starting Small, Learning Big

Micro stakes are the entry point for most players. While the earnings aren’t life-changing, the experience you gain here is invaluable.

$2NL: Up to $150/month

At this level, the pots are small, but so is the risk. Players who focus on tight-aggressive strategies and avoid costly mistakes can earn around $150 monthly. Tools like poker trackers can help you analyze your gameplay and improve.

• Win Rate: 10 big blinds (bb) per 100 hands.
• Average Hands/Hour: ~80 hands (single table).
• Hourly Rate: 10bb x $0.02 (small blind) x 0.8 = $1.60/hour.
• Monthly Income: $1.60 x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $160 (including rakeback bonuses).

$5NL: Up to $250/month

Earnings increase slightly at $5NL, where a solid understanding of position play and hand selection can give you an edge. To maximize returns, take advantage of rakeback programs offered by many online platforms.

• Win Rate: 8bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 8bb x $0.05 x 0.8 = $3.20/hour.
• Monthly Income: $3.20/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $320.
• Adjusted Range: A conservative estimate for beginner efficiency aligns with $250/month.

$10NL: Up to $400/month

Here, the games become more competitive, but consistent players can make up to $400 monthly. Focus on building a balanced strategy, mixing bluffs and value bets to keep opponents guessing. Learn to exploit loose players common at this level.

• Win Rate: 6bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 6bb x $0.10 x 0.8 = $4.80/hour.
• Monthly Income: $4.80/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $480.
• Adjusted Range: Factoring variance, $400/month is achievable.

Low Stakes Poker Winnings: A Bridge to Consistent Income

Low stakes are where semi-professionals often start seeing consistent earnings. With the right approach, these games can provide a meaningful side income.

$25NL: Up to $750/month

At $25NL, earnings grow noticeably for disciplined players. Adopting a table selection strategy—choosing games with weaker players—can help you reach the $750/month mark. Time management is crucial; aim for focused, high-quality sessions instead of grinding endlessly.

• Win Rate: 5bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 5bb x $0.25 x 0.8 = $10/hour.
• Monthly Income: $10/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $1,000.
• Realistic Range: Including variance, the lower limit is $750/month.

$50NL: Up to $1,250/month

By $50NL, you’re competing with players who understand advanced concepts like range balancing and pot odds. This is where studying opponents’ patterns through tools like HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) becomes vital. A mix of skill and patience is required to hit the $1,250/month benchmark.

• Win Rate: 4bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 4bb x $0.50 x 0.8 = $16/hour.
• Monthly Income: $16/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $1,600.
• Adjusted Estimate: Conservative values align with $1,250/month.

Mid and High Stakes Poker Earnings: Professional Territory

Mid and high stakes games are for players looking to make poker a primary income source. These levels demand expertise and resilience.

$100NL: Up to $2,000/month

At $100NL, many players transition to part-time or full-time poker. Consistency is key—track your win rate per 100 hands and aim to maximize profit in high-value pots. Emotional control and tilt management are critical at this stage.

• Win Rate: 3bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 3bb x $1 x 0.8 = $24/hour.
• Monthly Income: $24/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $2,400.
• Refined Estimate: Allowing for variance, $2,000/month is achievable.

$200NL: Up to $3,840/month

Earning close to $4,000 monthly at $200NL requires advanced skills in areas like GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play and bluff-catching. Competitors here are sharp, so continuously updating your strategies is essential to stay ahead.

• Win Rate: 3bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 3bb x $2 x 0.8 = $48/hour.
• Monthly Income: $48/hour x 25 hours/week x 4 weeks = $4,800.
• Conservative Estimate: Adjusted to $3,840/month.

$1,000NL: Up to $9,600/month

At $1,000NL, the stakes are high, and so are the rewards. Players must excel at reading opponents, adapting to different play styles, and handling variance without losing confidence. Success at this level often involves deep preparation, including preflop range charts and post-flop analysis.

• Win Rate: 2bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 2bb x $10 x 0.8 = $160/hour.
• Monthly Income: $160/hour x 15 hours/week x 4 weeks = $9,600.

$2,000NL: Up to $12,000/month

Only elite players thrive at $2,000NL, earning up to $12,000 monthly. These games demand mastery of all aspects of poker, from ICM (Independent Chip Model) in tournaments to advanced cash game tactics. It’s a challenging yet rewarding level for those who reach it.

• Win Rate: 1.5bb/100 hands.
• Hourly Rate: 1.5bb x $20 x 0.8 = $240/hour.
• Monthly Income: $240/hour x 12.5 hours/week x 4 weeks = $12,000.

Breaking Down the Key Numbers

1. Win Rate: Measured in big blinds per 100 hands (bb/100). It significantly impacts profitability.
2. Rakeback & Bonuses: These can add an extra 10%-20% to your earnings.
3. Time Commitment: The more tables and hours you play, the higher your potential income.
4. Variance: Fluctuations in results are expected, even with a positive win rate. Always maintain a bankroll that can handle downswings (20-40 buy-ins for cash games).

How to Boost Your Online Poker Income

If you’re serious about increasing your earnings in online poker, you need to focus on strategies that improve consistency, maximize profits, and minimize risks. Here’s how you can achieve that:

Importance of Bankroll Management

Managing your bankroll isn’t just about keeping your funds intact; it’s about creating a safety net that allows you to play smarter, not harder.

• Managing Risk at Different Stakes: Each stake level requires a tailored approach to risk management. For micro-stakes ($2NL to $10NL), aim for at least 25-30 buy-ins as your bankroll. For mid and high stakes ($100NL and above), having 50+ buy-ins ensures you can weather the variance.
• Setting Goals for Consistent Growth: Establish weekly or monthly profit goals to measure your success. For instance, if your goal is to make $1,000/month at $50NL, plan your sessions to align with this target. Consistency is the key to long-term growth.

Pro Tip: Treat your bankroll like a business account. Never mix it with personal funds or gambling money.

Leverage Rakeback and Bonuses

Online poker isn’t just about winning hands—it’s also about taking advantage of platform incentives. Rakeback and bonuses can significantly supplement your income.

• Best Platforms for Maximizing Rakeback: Some sites offer up to 40% rakeback, effectively refunding a portion of the fees (rake) you pay. For instance, if you generate $1,000 in rake at a 30% rakeback rate, you earn $300 back—directly boosting your earnings.
• Special Promotions for Tournament Players: If you love tournaments, look out for leaderboards, freerolls, and satellite events that can increase your winnings. Many sites also offer reload bonuses and VIP programs tailored for tournament grinders.

How These Strategies Translate to Earnings

Let’s calculate how these methods can add to your income:

• Bankroll Management: Proper planning reduces the chances of going broke, enabling steady growth over time. A player moving from $10NL to $50NL could see their monthly income jump from $400 to $1,250 with disciplined bankroll management.
• Rakeback and Bonuses: At $50NL, earning $1,250/month with an additional $300 from rakeback increases total income to $1,550. Add tournament promotions, and you could pocket an extra $200-$500 per month.

Can You Make a Living Playing Online Poker?

The allure of making a living playing online poker is undeniable. The freedom, the flexibility, and the idea of turning a passion into a profession sound enticing. But how realistic is it? Let’s break it down.

What Stakes Are Needed to Go Full-Time?

Going full-time as an online poker player requires careful analysis of stakes, win rates, and the volume of hands played. Here's how it works:

Stakes and Win Rates Analysis

To make a decent living, most players aim for mid-stakes games. For example:

• At $50NL, a skilled player with a 5 BB/100 win rate can earn around $1,250/month.
• At $100NL, with the same win rate and volume, the monthly earnings jump to $2,000 or more.
• High-stakes games like $200NL or above can fetch $3,000-$10,000/month, but these games demand exceptional skill and experience.

Balancing Volume and Variance

Success also depends on how many hands you play. A professional player typically logs 50,000 to 100,000 hands monthly. However, the more you play, the more variance you experience. This is where bankroll management becomes critical—keeping enough reserves to ride out losing streaks while maintaining confidence.

Example Calculation: At $50NL with 50,000 hands/month and a 5 BB/100 win rate:

Total Big Blinds Won = 50,000×0.05=2,500 BBs Total Earnings = 2,500 x $0.50 = $1,250

Pros and Cons of Being a Professional Poker Player

Going pro in online poker comes with its own set of benefits and challenges.

Pros

• Freedom and Flexibility: You set your own hours and choose when and where to work. This makes poker ideal for those who value autonomy in their careers.
• Unlimited Earnings Potential: With dedication and skill, there’s no cap on what you can earn. High-stakes players often bring in six figures annually.
• Pursuing Your Passion: Turning a hobby into a career can be deeply rewarding.

Cons

• Income Variance: Poker income is inconsistent. Even the best players face downswings where months can go without profits.
• Burnout: Playing long hours and dealing with emotional swings can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue.
• Financial Risk: Without proper bankroll management, you risk going broke, especially during extended losing streaks.

Tools and Resources to Improve Your Earnings

Mastering online poker isn’t just about playing countless hands—it’s about leveraging the right tools and resources to refine your skills, make smarter decisions, and boost your earnings. Let’s explore how you can take your poker game to the next level.

Poker Training Resources

Investing in the right training resources can transform your gameplay and earnings.

• Free and Paid Options to Hone Your Skills: Start with free YouTube tutorials and poker blogs to grasp the basics. As you progress, consider premium resources like Upswing Poker or Run It Once for in-depth strategies tailored to various stakes.
• How to Use Training Sites Effectively: Focus on one concept at a time. For instance, study positional play, then apply it in your next sessions. Take notes during video lessons and review your hand histories to identify leaks. Remember, consistent application is key to improvement.

Poker Cheat Sheets and Calculators

Even seasoned players use tools to optimize their decision-making.

• Using Tools to Enhance Decisions: Poker cheat sheets outline hand ranges, opening strategies, and post-flop plays, ensuring you stay disciplined in your approach. Calculators like PokerStove and Equilab help assess equity in complex hands, improving your understanding of probabilities and expected value (EV).
• Real-Life Example: Imagine facing a tough all-in decision. A cheat sheet might remind you to call only with the top 15% of hands, while a calculator confirms your equity against the opponent’s likely range.

Final Thoughts

So, how much can you truly earn playing online poker? It depends on your stakes, skill level, and dedication. A player grinding micro stakes may earn $400 monthly, while a skilled mid stakes player could pocket $5,000 or more. But remember, poker is a long-term game, and consistent success requires ongoing effort.

However, if you are looking for a consistent way of making money online, either as a side hustle or primary source you can dropship through reliable platforms such as Spocket. It is a wonderful platform giving wings to entrepreneurs to start their own business.