For as long as poker has existed, cheaters have hoped to manipulate the odds of this strategic game. With the rise of technology, cheating has become even more sophisticated in the contemporary poker landscape. Online poker, in particular, has been a prime playing ground for dishonest players who take advantage of its remote and often more discreet setup.
Just a few years ago, the world’s longest-running and most prestigious poker tournament, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), even had to ban several players accused of cheating. One of these included the 2021 Global Poker Index Player of the Year, Ali Imsirovic, who allegedly cheated in online games by using multiple accounts, real-time assistance, and colluding with other players. Overall, Deuces Cracked estimates that cheating in online poker costs millions, with one case even resulting in around $22 million lost.
With this, major poker operators have begun investing more actively in their fair play initiatives. Here are some of them:
Guaranteed unbiased hands
Working with the cards you’re dealt with is what sets great poker players apart. Online, though, some cheaters have rigged games so that the cards they receive are always in their favor. This is where random number generators (RNGs) come in, which essentially function in the same way that a live dealer would when carefully shuffling each deck of cards.
Today, the world’s top poker platforms have standardized the use of RNGs. The US’ leading online poker site, ACR Poker, uses its own RNG as part of its efforts to improve player safety and security. On their website, visitors can clearly see the seal for the certified RNG that they use throughout all of the huge tournaments and promotions they offer. This RNG is tested by iTech Labs, which is a leading global testing and certification laboratory that recently welcomed new leadership. Through this state-of-the-art RNG, the online poker operator is able to guarantee that every hand dealt is unbiased. This way, it is nearly impossible for any cheater to have an unfair advantage over their opponents, and players can rest assured they’re participating on a trustworthy platform.
Anti-software abuse
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the iGaming sphere has been largely polarizing. On one hand, some say that it has its benefits, given how it can streamline certain aspects and democratize learning opportunities. However, there are also critics who argue that AI can be harnessed negatively. As explained by Michaelestic Phillips, AI’s predictive analysis can make accurate forecasts and recommendations that offer unfair advantages when used in play.
In order to better manage this technology, poker entities have started working directly with the software developers themselves. The most notable instance of this is how GTO Wizard has partnered with operators, including Winning Poker Network (WPN) and WPT Global. Considered the world’s best and fastest AI poker tool, GTO Wizard now works with the aforementioned parties for its Fair Play Check feature. With this, players can find out whether a particular board was solved using the AI tool. Should the results of this query match up with a played hand, players can use this as a way to flag offending cheaters with operators. From there, operators are better able to catch cheaters and prevent them from sullying games further.
Stricter player repercussions
Of course, while prevention and identification are important, online poker companies are also developing more serious measures to prevent cheaters from reoffending. After all, a tap of the wrist, like just kicking them from a game, is hardly enough to discourage future offenses–especially when online poker cash prizes can include guarantees in the hundreds of thousands.
In line with this, the Poker Integrity Council (PIC) was created for this very concern. This group is led by online poker room operator GGPoker, which recently made headlines following the news that its parent company had just bought the WSOP brand. With its council members, this organization aims to cut out cheaters from the online poker ecosystem entirely. Using tech aids, the council will carefully review cases before making the necessary determinations against suspected cheaters. Possible rulings include permanent bans, fund confiscations, and even inclusions in global industry blacklists. Over time, the implementation of more weighted punishments may foster a more honest and mindful online poker sector.
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Oscar Marchant is a key figure at Wager Wisely Today, a leading resource for gambling and betting insights. As an influential team member, Marchant enhances the platform with his deep knowledge and expertise in various facets of betting. While not the founder, his contributions are crucial to the platform's success and its ability to serve its audience effectively.
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