Backing in poker: what it is, where to find an investor, and how to draw up a contract

For the partnership to be fair and profitable for both sides, it's important to understand how backing works, what makeup is, and on what terms the contract is drawn up.

In this article you'll learn:

• what backing is and what profit-sharing models exist,

• how makeup works and why it protects the backer,

• what obligations the player and the investor have,

• where to look for backers,

• which clauses you must include in the contract,

• which mistakes beginners make most often.

What backing is in poker

Backing is a financial partnership between an investor (the backer) and a player. The backer provides money for play, fully or partially. The player uses these funds to play, and the resulting profit is split between the sides according to a pre-agreed formula.

In practice, the most common model is:

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

• Profit is split 50/50 after the makeup is deducted.

However, the model can be flexible. For example:

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

• or any other terms that the player and the backer agree on.

How does makeup work?

Makeup is a key element of a backing partnership. It's a play debt that arises from a player's poor results.

Example of how makeup works:

The player lost $1000.
This amount becomes makeup — it needs to be won back.

In the next session the player wins $5000.
The net profit will not be $5000, but:

$5000 – $1000 = $4000.

It's these $4000 that are split between the player and the backer.

When does the player have to pay back the makeup?

Makeup is only a play debt; it is not a real monetary obligation outside the backing agreement.

The player pays back the makeup in only one case: if they decide to end the partnership with the backer before getting into the black.
That is, when ending the deal on their own initiative, the player must return the accumulated minus.

When is the makeup written off?

If the backer themselves decides to end the partnership, the makeup is cancelled. The player doesn't have to pay anything, since the debt is part of the investment risk.

Why do players and investors agree to backing?

Let's consider the upsides for the player:

1. Bankroll without stress

The player doesn't need to invest their own money. They play with the investor's funds. This removes the emotional pressure and allows for more accurate decisions: there's no need to think about finances, bankroll, or risks. The player focuses only on playing and learning.

2. The chance to play higher stakes

To play tournaments at, say, an ABI of 40, you need a bankroll of at least $12000.
Most players don't have that kind of money and can only afford to play at an ABI of 5.
With backing, such a player moves up to the stakes that match their skills. Even after splitting the profit, the earnings will be significantly higher.

Why is this profitable for backers?

For the investor, backing is a form of investment.

They invest money in a strong player and receive a percentage of the profit. Good players earn consistently over the long run, and makeup additionally reduces the backer's risks.

Where to find a backer?

1. Personal contacts

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

2. Sites that provide a backing platform

• communities on Telegram and Discord,

• professional players' chats,

• communities on poker sites, for example, GipsyTeam.

3. Poker funds

These are organizations engaged in poker training and backing. Poker funds have tangible advantages over other backers, the main one being training. A private backer gives you only money for play, whereas a poker fund also provides systematic training for the player. There are other upsides too. For example, FirstFund has an infinite bankroll that will never run out, a convenient personal dashboard with simple reporting, instant transfer of money for play, and the best poker training in the CIS on top of full backing. 

How to draw up a backing contract?

The contract is the foundation of a safe partnership. It should include:

1. Scope and purpose of the investment:

• full or partial backing,

• stakes and game formats.

2. The profit-sharing clause:

• a fixed percentage of the profit for the player and the backer,

• possible bonuses and penalties,

• terms for calculating profit and payout schedules.

3. Makeup:

• how it's calculated,

• when and under what conditions it must be paid back,

• when it's cancelled.

4. The player's obligations:

• follow bankroll management, play only certain stakes,

• provide reporting and stats,

• play a certain volume: for example, 300+ tournaments per month.

5. The backer's obligations:

• send money on time,

• not change the terms without consent,

• provide support (if stipulated).

6. Terms for ending the deal:

• on the player's initiative — return of the makeup,

• on the backer's initiative — write-off of the makeup,

• protection of both sides from bad-faith actions.

Typical beginner mistakes

Beginning players often treat backing as a simple chance to play for free. Because of this, they don't perceive the deal as a full-fledged business agreement and make mistakes that ruin the relationship with the backer and their reputation in the community. As a result, such a player will never be taken on for backing again. Below we describe the most frequent slip-ups and why they're dangerous:

1. Agreeing to verbal arrangements

Without a written contract, conflicts arise easily: who owes what, which stakes are allowed, how to calculate makeup, when the money is split, how much to play and over what period.
Verbal arrangements work great only until the first big losing streak or big win. After that, everyone remembers the terms in their own way. A written agreement protects both the backer and the player.

2. Hiding part of the results or stats

Some beginners try to "clean up" their graphs, remove winning 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 ended and often to a demand to return the entire makeup.

3. Taking backing for stakes above your real level

Beginners think that since they're not playing with their own money, they can punch above their weight. But playing expensive stakes isn't easy: a different level of play awaits you, more pressure, and more difficulty in decision-making.
At stakes that are too high, a player quickly goes into deep makeup, loses confidence, and the backer loses money and time. The right path is to play where you have a real edge over other players.

4. Playing insufficient volume

Without volume of play there's no sample, and without a sample it's impossible to assess the real level of play.
If the player doesn't meet the agreed volume of play, the profit becomes too dependent on luck and, as a rule, there is none. Working 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 stakes above those agreed, play on tilt, play formats that weren't agreed, register for tournaments outside the allowed list.
For the backer this is a direct risk of losses. For the player it means a path into huge makeup and a loss of trust. Discipline is the main criterion for success in backing: consistency matters more than one-off results.

Conclusion

Backing is an effective growth tool for the player and a profitable investment for the backer. Under the right conditions and with an honest approach, the partnership becomes transparent, safe, and profitable for both sides. To avoid conflicts, always put arrangements in writing, maintain discipline, and choose a partner with a good reputation. 

FAQ

What is makeup in simple terms?

It's a play debt: the amount you need to win back before profit is split.

Does a player in makeup have to give back real money?

No. Only if they themselves decide to leave the deal while in the minus.

Can the profit percentage be changed over time?

Yes, if both sides agree. Usually this is written into the contract.

Can you get backing without stats?

In theory, yes, but the chances of finding an investor drop sharply. The backer needs proof of your level of play. If you want to make a backing deal but don't have a sample behind you, the best solution is to register on the free platform FF Start. There, video lessons, text materials, and a trainer await you to help you sharpen your theoretical knowledge, and if you pass the final test, we'll invite you to FunFarm, provide full backing and the best training on the market. 

Is backing suitable for beginners?

Only if a fund is ready to train you. While you have little playing experience, the chances of playing at a profit are low, and you'll most likely ruin your relationship with the backer.