What is Makeup in Poker?
The poker term makeup refers to the amount of money a player has to pay back to their backer before they can split the profits based on their initial agreement. The makeup includes all losses that a player accumulates during this arrangement.
Makeup Poker Example:
Let’s say that you found a backer to support you in poker tournaments over several months in exchange for a 50/50 split of any profits you make. During that period, you don’t win any tournaments and end up down $20,000 of their money.
But, soon after, you win a $100,000 tournament. You will first have to pay them back the $20,000 in makeup, after which the remaining $80,000 could be split based on your 50/50 profit-sharing agreement.