What is poker staking?
Poker staking is when a player sells a percentage of their tournament action to backers (also called "stablemasters"). The player gets funding for the buy-in, and backers get a share of any winnings. It's common in high buy-in tournaments where players want to reduce risk or don't have the full bankroll.
How does escrow work?
When a backer buys action, their funds are held in escrow by TourneyDonk. The player doesn't receive funds until the tournament is complete and verified. If the player cashes, the escrow automatically calculates payouts (with markup) and distributes to all stakeholders. If the player busts, backers' funds are already committed.
What is markup?
Markup is the premium backers pay above face value. For example, 1.2x markup means backers pay $120 to buy $100 of action. Markup reflects the player's edge, ROI history, and demand. Elite players command higher markup. Newer players often sell at 1.0x (no markup).
Is my money safe?
Yes. All funds are held in escrow managed by TourneyDonk. We never release funds to players before tournament completion unless they meet strict verification requirements (receipt verification, identity-verified account, high trust score). Disputes are frozen for review.
What happens if the player busts?
If the player doesn't cash (finishes out of the money), backers lose their stake. That's the risk of poker staking. However, the player is required to upload proof of play (receipt, tournament results) to confirm they actually played.
What is the anti-freeroll rule?
Players must keep at least 15% equity in their own action. This ensures they have "skin in the game" and aren't playing with zero risk. It prevents freeroll situations where a player has nothing to lose if they bust.
How do I withdraw money?
Go to Settings → Wallet → Withdraw. Enter your bank account details (encrypted and stored securely). Withdrawals are processed within 2-5 business days via bank transfer. First withdrawal has a 48-hour cooling period for fraud prevention.
What fees does TourneyDonk charge?
Account load fee: 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe processing). Escrow guarantee fee: 5% on payouts (deducted from player's share). Secondary market trades: 5% platform fee. Identity verification: $10 one-time (refundable if rejected).
What does "verified" mean?
Verified players have completed government ID verification (KYC) and linked their poker profile (Hendon Mob, SharkScope). This proves they are who they claim to be and their stats are real. Verified accounts get a badge and can command higher markup.
How do I get verified?
Go to Settings → Identity Verification. Upload government-issued ID (driver's license, passport). Link your poker profile (Hendon Mob username or SharkScope profile). Pay $10 verification fee (refunded if your verification is rejected). Review takes 24-48 hours.
What is the Trust Score?
The Trust Score is a 4-tier reputation system (Newcomer → Established → Trusted → Elite) based on 8 signals: identity verification (+25 pts), profile link (+20 pts), settlement speed, payment reliability, account age, backing volume, and stats quality. It recalculates daily.
Can I trade my stake mid-tournament?
Yes! The secondary market lets you list your stake at any price. Buyers can purchase mid-tournament. This lets you lock in profit early or exit if you think the player is unlikely to cash. 5% platform fee on secondary trades.