Online poker today runs on two models. In the centralized one, a single operator — the poker room — is in charge of everything. In the decentralized, or club, model, the app provides only the software, while the tables, cashier and rules are in the hands of the communities themselves. Almost everything depends on which model you pick: who holds your bankroll, how much of the fee you can realistically get back and how tough your opponents are.
Centralized poker: poker rooms
A room is a company that takes care of everything itself: software, cashier, security, support and bonuses. You open an account on the operator's website, fund it and cash out your winnings through it as well.
- License. Operators work under permits from regulators — for example Malta, the Isle of Man or Curaçao — and must follow their requirements.
- Identity checks. Almost everywhere you'll be asked to pass KYC before a withdrawal.
- Networks. Many brands share a common pool with their network neighbors: GGNetwork, iPoker, Winning Poker Network.
- Rakeback. Most often it's a loyalty program: the percentage grows with volume and drops when you take breaks. The operator's partners sometimes offer better terms.
Examples: GGPoker, 888poker, PokerKing, Red Star Poker.
Decentralized poker: club apps
PPPoker, ClubGG, X-Poker and PokerBros provide only the platform, and the games are organized by users:
- A club takes in newcomers, sells and buys back chips, and is responsible for payouts.
- A union seats members of different communities at shared tables — so even a small club will have action at any stakes.
- An agent represents the club: finds people and helps them with any questions.
You can join with a club ID, and as a rule no documents are needed. Chips are sold at a rate set by the community itself. The app doesn't hold your money — the club is responsible for payouts.
The rake level is set by the union, while the return percentage is something you discuss directly with the agent. That's why rakeback here is higher than in rooms and doesn't depend on loyalty tiers. Read more about the intermediary's role in the article what is a poker agent and affiliate.
Comparing the two models
| Poker room | Club app | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs the games | The operator | Clubs and unions |
| Where the money is held | In an account with the operator | With the club; chips are bought and sold inside it |
| License | The operator has one | The software developer has one; communities are generally unlicensed |
| Identity check (KYC) | Mandatory almost everywhere | Usually not needed |
| How to start | Sign up on the website | Join by ID |
| Rakeback | Loyalty program or partner terms | Individual agreement, higher percentage |
| Opponents | Lots of regulars, especially at mid and high stakes | More recreational players, a softer field |
| Trackers and HUD | Some operators allow them, others ban them | Not supported |
| Main risk | Country restrictions and checks at withdrawal | The reliability of the specific community |
Pros and cons
Poker rooms
- Pros: regulation, a single security team, big series with guarantees, clear withdrawal rules.
- Cons: mandatory KYC, bans in a number of countries, a modest fee return tied to volume.
Club apps
- Pros: high rakeback, weak opponents, entry without documents, lots of formats: PLO, OFC, bomb pots.
- Cons: everything rests on the club's honesty, there's no single regulator, disputes are settled by the union itself.
Which to choose
If regulation, big tournaments and trackers matter to you, go with a licensed room. If rakeback and a soft cash-game field come first, pick a club app — but only through a vetted intermediary. Many people combine both options.
We cover how to check a community before depositing in detail in the guide how not to lose money in decentralized poker apps.
Deals in both models on PokerDealsHub
PokerDealsHub (PDH) collects offers of both kinds: bonuses and rakeback in licensed rooms, as well as terms in vetted unions on PPPoker, ClubGG, X-Poker and PokerBros. You can find the right one in the rakeback deals catalog.