Is commission for home game reasonable?

[spike_woo]

i am holding a home game for my friends once every month.
and due to drinks and food cost, i am planning to take some commission.

BUYIN:
1^ST buyin is $50 buyin 950 chips
Rebuy is $50 buyin 1000 chips

ADDON:
Chips total less than 300 can do a $50 1000 chips addon

CASHOUT:
Less than 6 rebuy: Chiptotal * (95+rebuy num) /2000
6 or more rebuy: chiptotal /20

is this charge reasonable? or any better idea?

[pokerking949]

I hold a $60 buyin cash game each week, we take $2 off each persons first buy-in to cover, food, drink, paper plates, plastic forkes etc. I usually end up with about 30 bucks or so a night.

I never asked for it, the group decided it was the best thing to offer for covering the extras every week. It works out well.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to do some kind of cover for the stuff you buy, it's either that or tell everyone to bring stuff cause you wont have it.

[hod]

Each to their own I think. I wouldn't ever have a problem contributing to refreshments/food etc at a host's place, though if it is just a once off and I was hosting, I'd probably just get some stuff in, and tell everyone if they wanted more or different stuff they could bring their own.

[babyfreak84]

I guess it is so you dont always have to be the one paying, in my games we kinda just take turns bringing drinks and snacks

[schullerjason]

Easier to just have everyone bring something. I use anyvite dot com, and you can actually have a section where you designate what is needed (5 bags chips, 5 12 packs soda etc) so people can choose what to bring. Much easier. I usually have my fridge filled with sodas and water, alcohol is 100% on those that drink it to bring it and keep the beer stocked.

[BPTDirector]

My guys gladly pay $5 per month for food and drink. They get more than their money's worth so it's a deal for them. I spend all money taken in for that month on the next month and provide receipts to doubters.

It all started with a 'tip' jar and then they suggested that they each pay $5 and they love it because now all they have to do is show up.

BPT

[jdunford]

You have to be careful here. I guess it depends on the laws of your state/country, but what's described in each of the first two posts is illegal here. Any money that relates to buy-in has to stay in the prize pool; otherwise it's considered a rake. If you want to charge for beverages or food, you need to do that separately - like charge $2 per beverage, or do a separete "$10 from everybody to cover snacks/drinks". It can't come out of the "first buy-in" or out of the prize pool.

I know it sounds like splitting hairs, but its worth it if it prevents your game from getting broken up, fined, jail time, etc.

[jldecarlo]

Reasonable - yes, for sure.
Legal - maybe, but usually not.
Something to worry about, probably not, but your mileage may vary.

You might just "ask" the big winner to supply food/drink for the next event.

L

[ericmalone]

I wouldn't take money from the "cash out" I would take it up-front or directly from the pot. Make sure everyone knows how much you're taking and what it is for BEFORE they buy-in.

[snakster]

I have a semi-regular cash game. I provide light snacks (pretzel goldfish, peanut m&ms, stuff like that) and fine alcohol (bourbons and scotches ranging in price from $20/ bottle to $80/bottle...whatever is open in my bar; beer if I have it). I wouldn't dream of asking for money to pay for it. I'm the host and that's my cost for entertaining.

Now at the end of the night, some guys will throw me a couple bucks, but I always (every time) tell them that it is completely unnecessary. If they insist, then I take it. Just my two cents.