I don't play a ton of cash games, as I prefer tournaments, but it seems to be almost impossible to win long-term at the lower levels no matter how good of a player you are, due to the rake.

Sure 2/5 and above NL, and 10/20 and above Limit players can win long-term if they are good, but the low Limit and even 1/2 NL seem very hard to win in the long-term when they are cutting $4-$6 out of every pot for the rake and jackpot.

I think a lot of the low limit players rely on promotions such as free rolls, rakeback, high hands, bad beat jackpots, etc. to supplement their results.

The most ridiculous game I ever saw was at the Las Vegas Flamingo (lol CET) where the 2/4 Limit game took $5 out of each pot for the rake and another $1 for the jackpot/promotions pool..absolutely unbelievable.

They did have 3 tables going, so I'm sure mostly tourists/fish were there for the free drinks and to have a good time..which is fine but no way any reg would ever sit in a game like that..