Backing in Poker: What It Is, Where to Find an Investor, and How to Draft an Agreement

For a partnership to be fair and beneficial to both parties, it is important to understand how backing works, what makeup is, and on what terms the agreement is drafted.

In this article, you will learn:

• what backing is and the different profit-sharing models,

• how makeup works and why it protects the backer,

• the responsibilities of both the player and the investor,

• where to find backers,

• which clauses must be included in the contract,

• the common mistakes novices make.

What is backing in poker?

Backing is a financial partnership between an investor (backer) and a player. The backer provides the funds for play, either fully or partially. The player uses these funds for gaming, and any profit is divided between the parties according to a pre-agreed formula.

In practice, the most common model involves:

• Full backing - the backer covers 100% of buy-ins,

• Profits are split 50/50 after deducting the makeup.

However, the model can be flexible. For example:

• the backer pays for 50% of buy-ins but receives 25% of profits,

• or any other terms agreed upon by the player and backer.

How does makeup work?

Makeup is a key element of the backing partnership. This game debt arises from a player's unsuccessful results.

Example of how makeup works:

The player lost $1000.
This amount becomes makeup - it must be won back.

In the next session, the player wins $5000.
Net profit is not $5000, but:

$5000 – $1000 = $4000.

It is this $4000 that is divided between the player and the backer.

When must a player return makeup?

Makeup is only game debt and does not constitute a real financial obligation outside the backing agreement.

The player returns makeup only in one case: if they decide to cease working with the backer before being profitable.
That is, by breaking the agreement on their own initiative, the player must return the accumulated deficit.

When is makeup written off?

If the backer decides to end the partnership, the makeup is annulled. The player owes nothing as the debt is part of the investment risk.

Why do players and investors agree on backing?

Consider the advantages for the player:

1. Stress-free bankroll

The player does not need to invest their own money. They play with the investor's funds. This removes emotional pressure and allows for more accurate decision-making: there is no need to think about finances, bankroll, risks. The player focuses solely on the game and learning.

2. Opportunity to play high limits

To play tournaments, for example at an ABI of 40, you need a bankroll of at least $12,000.
Most players do not have this amount, and they can only afford to play at an ABI of 5.
With backing, such a player can play at the limit that matches their skills. Even after profit sharing, earnings will be significantly higher.

Why is it beneficial for backers?

For the investor, backing is a form of investment.

They invest in a strong player and receive a percentage of the profits. Good players consistently earn over the long term, and makeup further reduces the backer's risk.

Where to find a backer?

1. Personal contacts

If you show good results online and maintain honest statistics, you can find an investor among acquaintances.

2. Platforms providing a backing platform

• communities on Telegram and Discord,

• chats of professional players,

• communities on poker sites, such as GipsyTeam.

3. Poker funds

These are organisations involved in teaching poker and backing. Poker funds have considerable advantages over other backers, the main one being training. A private backer only provides the money for the game, whereas a poker fund also deals with systematic player training. There are additional benefits. For example, FunFarm offers an infinite bankroll that will never run out, a convenient personal account with simple reporting, instant money transfers for play, and the best poker training in the CIS in addition to full backing. 

How to draft a backing contract?

A contract is the foundation for safe cooperation. It should include:

1. Amount and purpose of investments:

• full or partial backing,

• limits and game formats.

2. Profit-sharing clause:

• fixed profit percentage for the player and backer,

• possible bonuses and penalties,

• profit calculation conditions and payment deadlines.

3. Makeup:

• how it is calculated,

• when and under what circumstances it should be paid,

• when it is annulled.

4. Player's responsibilities:

• follow bankroll management, play only specified limits,

• provide reports and statistics,

• play a specified volume: for example, at least 300 tournaments per month.

5. Backer's responsibilities:

• send funds on time,

• do not change conditions without consent,

• provide support (if stipulated).

6. Conditions for terminating the deal:

• player-initiated - return of makeup,

• backer-initiated - writing off makeup,

• protection of both parties against dishonest actions.

Common mistakes of beginners

Novice players often view backing as a simple opportunity to play for free. As a result, they do not treat the deal as a full business agreement and make mistakes that spoil relations with the backer and their reputation in the community. Consequently, such a player will never be backed again. Below we describe the most common slip-ups and why they are dangerous:

1. Agreeing to verbal agreements

Without a written contract, conflicts easily arise: who owes what, which limits are permitted, how to calculate makeup when the money is split, how much to play, and over what period.
Verbal agreements work perfectly only until the first major series of failures or big win. Afterwards, each party remembers the terms differently. A written agreement protects both the backer and the player.

2. Concealing part of results or statistics

Some novices attempt to 'clean up' their graphs, remove positive sessions, or play outside the deal with their own money, which is usually prohibited. This is quickly discovered and destroys trust. Any concealment of information leads to the deal being broken and often demands the return of all makeup.

3. Taking backing on limits higher than one's actual level

Beginners think that since they aren't playing with their own money, they can reach beyond their ability. But playing high limits is not easy: you face a different level of play, more pressure, and complexities in decision-making.
At excessively high limits, a player quickly goes deep into makeup, loses confidence, and the backer loses money and time. The correct approach is to play where you have a real advantage over other players.

4. Playing insufficient volume

Without game volume, there is no long-term view, and without it, you can't assess the actual level of play.
If the player does not meet the agreed volume of play, profits are too dependent on luck, and generally, the results are not achieved. Cooperation with such a player is unprofitable for the backer, even if the player is very good.

5. Problems with discipline and bankroll management

Players may play limits higher than agreed, play in tilt, play unapproved formats, register for tournaments outside the permitted list.
For the backer, this presents a direct risk of losses. For the player, it means a path into significant makeup and loss of trust. Discipline is the key metric for success in backing: consistency is more important than singular results.

Conclusion

Backing is an efficient tool for player growth and a profitable investment for the backer. With the right conditions and an honest approach, the cooperation becomes transparent, secure, and profitable for both parties. To avoid conflicts, always fix agreements in writing, maintain discipline, and choose a partner with a good reputation.