Can you make money at poker in 2025?
The question keeps coming up. And the honest answer is: yes, it's possible — but not for everyone, and not without effort. Here's an analysis without romanticism or excessive pessimism.
The statistical reality
It's estimated that 10-20% of online poker players are profitable over the long run. That figure covers every format and every limit. At micro stakes, the proportion might be slightly higher because opponents make more mistakes.
The vast majority of players lose over the long run — mainly because of the rake (the commission taken by the platform), uncorrected leaks, and a lack of discipline in bankroll management.
The conditions to be profitable
Beat the rake
On Winamax, the rake represents 3-5% of every pot in cash game. To be profitable, you have to beat both the opponents AND the rake. That's the minimum bar.
Have a measurable edge
An edge is a positive statistical difference relative to the field. It's measured in BB/100 over sufficient volume. Without a measurable edge, long-term profitability is impossible.
Fix your leaks regularly
Profitable players don't play perfectly — they keep improving. Analyzing your game and fixing your costliest leaks is the engine of progress.
Manage your bankroll
Playing at limits that match your bankroll prevents going broke on normal variance runs. It's a non-technical but essential condition.
Recreational poker vs serious poker
The majority of profitable players play recreationally, not professionally. Making €50-200 a month in NL10/NL25 cash game is a realistic goal for a serious player without going pro.
Playing poker professionally full-time demands a level, a consistency, and a mental resilience that go well beyond simply mastering the technical side of the game.
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FAQ
Is poker harder than it used to be?
Micro stakes on Winamax remain accessible. The average level has gone up with more resources being available, but recreational players still make up the majority.
Can you make a living from poker in France?
Theoretically yes. In practice, very few actually do. Playing poker professionally in France means playing at higher limits or grinding across several sites.
Is Winamax a good site for making money?
Winamax has a large player base, including plenty of recreational players, which is favorable. The rake is around the market average.
What FlopIQ does on this topic
The FlopIQ tools and analyses that directly address what you just read.
BB/100
The unit that makes your winnings comparable across limits, and the thresholds to know.
BB/100 glossary entry →Analyze your Winamax history
Your score out of 100, your leaks quantified in BB/100, and your costliest hands broken down street by street. First analysis free.
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