By Kahari S. Nash “The BooRay! King” & CEO KSN Gaming
When we talk about the heartbeat of casino table games, we’re talking about the rake. That small commission (2.5% — 10% in Poker) the house takes from each pot might seem insignificant to the casual player, but for the gaming industry, it’s the lifeblood of profitability. Whether you’re seated at a poker table in a luxurious brick-and-mortar casino or enjoying the convenience of an online platform, the rake is the invisible thread that ties it all together.
The Power of the Rake: The Rake’s Role in Casino Revenue
Casino table games have long been a staple of gaming culture. From poker to blackjack, their allure lies not just in the potential winnings but in the social, strategic, and competitive experiences they offer. The rake, though subtle, fuels this entire ecosystem. It’s the steady hand ensuring the house wins even when the cards don’t.
In recent years, table game revenues have soared. In 2023, brick-and-mortar casinos in the United States achieved a record-breaking $66.5 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from slots and table games ($10.31 billion), marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. While slot machines ($35.51 billion) contributed significantly, table games, bolstered by the rake, played a crucial part in this financial success.
Casinos have evolved their offerings, from sleek high-limit lounges in Vegas to immersive live dealer tables online. Table games are no longer just about the money; they’ve become experiences, atmospheres, and communities.
The Digital Evolution: The Surge of Online Table Games
Online gaming has taken the rake to new heights. With live dealer games bridging the gap between digital convenience and real-life interaction, more players are engaging with table games from their homes. Mobile platforms and intuitive interfaces have made gaming more accessible than ever, fueling a surge in online table game revenue. What was once the domain of poker rooms and casino floors is now a global phenomenon.
The online gaming sector has experienced remarkable growth, with iGaming revenues reaching $6.2 billion in 2023 (6 U.S. States)—a 22.9% year-over-year increase. This expansion is driven by the convenience of mobile platforms and the immersive experiences offered by live dealer games, which replicate the social aspects of in-person play.
The beauty of the rake is its scalability. Whether it’s a low-stakes table attracting newcomers or a high-stakes game luring seasoned players, the rake adapts, providing casinos with consistent earnings across all levels of play.
BooRay!: A New Chapter in Table Games
At BooRay!, we see the table game space differently. We recognize the rake’s critical role in the industry, but we also understand that gaming is more than just numbers—it’s culture, connection, competition and experiences that extend beyond the felt. BooRay! isn’t just a card game; it’s a lifestyle brand.
Our vision is to bring a new energy to table games, one that resonates beyond the cards. By blending gaming with music, fashion, and social interaction, we’re creating something that lives at the intersection of tradition and innovation. BooRay! aims to build a community, one that’s as much about the shared experience as it is about the game itself.
The modern player expects more than just games—they want stories, atmospheres, and, above all, a sense of belonging. This is where BooRay comes in.
The Future of Table Games and BooRay!
The record-breaking revenues in 2023 underscore the enduring appeal of table games, both in traditional settings and online. As table games continue to grow in both traditional and digital spaces, there’s a unique opportunity to redefine what they represent. But as the industry evolves, so do player expectations. That’s why BooRay! is stepping into this space not just as a game, but as a brand that embodies the lifestyle of its players.
From Las Vegas to the digital space, we’re not just here to collect the rake; we’re here to build something bigger. A culture. A movement. A connection that keeps players thriving, which carries with them on and off the table. BooRay! is poised to redefine how players interact with table games.
So, the next time you sit down to play, think about the rake—not just as the house’s cut, but as the fuel for an industry with experiences that we build for the players. And remember, at BooRay!, we’re not just playing the game. We’re shaping the future that keeps the heart of gaming beating strong globally.
