PPH Cost Per Player: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
PPH costs $3–$15 per active player per week. A 20-player group pays $240–$1,200/month. For friend groups, chip-based platforms deliver the same experience at $0/month with no per-player charges.
The per-player cost is the defining feature of PPH pricing — and the reason most small groups can't justify it. Here's what you'll actually pay and when the math works out.
The Rate Range
Budget: $3–$5/player/week. Mid-tier: $7–$10/player/week. Premium: $12–$15/player/week. Rates vary by platform, features, and sometimes negotiation. Most serious operators land at $7–$10.
Monthly Cost by Group Size
10 players at $7 = $280/month. 20 players at $7 = $560/month. 50 players at $7 = $1,400/month. These are recurring costs regardless of whether your players are active or winning.
The Break-Even Question
PPH makes financial sense when your operation generates enough volume through vig to cover the software cost with margin. For most friend groups under 30 players, the vig revenue never exceeds the PPH cost — you're subsidizing the software from your own pocket.
The Free Alternative
ValueBet charges $0 per player, $0 per month. If your goal is group competition rather than operating a commercial book, the math is simple: free beats $560/month every time.
Stop paying per player — create your free club on ValueBet.
Create your free club →FAQ
Do I pay for inactive players?
Most PPH platforms charge only for active players — defined as anyone who places at least one bet that week. Inactive players are free.
Are there setup fees?
Some platforms charge one-time setup fees. Others bundle it into the per-player rate. Always ask upfront.
Can I negotiate PPH rates?
Yes — especially with larger player counts. Rates are more flexible than platforms advertise.
What's the cheapest alternative?
ValueBet is free for chip-based competitions. It's not PPH — it's a different model entirely.