Poker cheating allegations and responses
High-Stakes Poker Players Mike Holtz, Eric Zheng, and Patrick Leonard Accuse Widespread Cheating in the Vegas Casinos
Frustration is mounting among professional poker players over alleged cheating in tournaments in Las Vegas, with multiple pros taking to social media to vent their concerns and share their experiences.
Echoing complaints
American player Eric Zheng was the first to call out cheating at The Venetian, posting on social media that he was playing there when he spotted two players chipdumping. According to Zheng, the floor staff refused to investigate his claims. English pro Patrick Leonard backed up Zheng's account, stating that he too raised concerns about the same issue, only to be told by staff that they couldn't take action if the cards weren't exposed.
Mike Holtz, an American pro and cohost of the PokerNews Podcast, claimed that he had caught the same group of people cheating in a tournament at Resorts World last year. He also provided evidence of a cheating incident at the $800 Main Event over the weekend. Holtz alleged that the nine seat and two seat at his table appeared to be working together, with the nine seat opening hands and the two seat folding in a way that showed his cards to the nine seat.
Holtz's detailed account
In a video posted to his social media account, Holtz provided more details about the incidents at Resorts World. He explained that when he complained to staff about the collusion at the nine seat and two seat, his complaints were dismissed. Holtz was then moved to a new table, where another person from the cheaters' friend group was playing. One of the men from the previous table came behind their friend and started speaking in a different language, prompting Holtz to complain again about potential cheating. The man then reportedly ran out of the poker room.
Holtz believes that the players he accused at Resorts World are connected to those called out by Zheng and Leonard in The Venetian. He is calling on the poker community to address the issue of cheating and holds that they need to come together to put a stop to it.
Not an isolated incident
Holtz's experiences with cheating in poker tournaments aren't unique. He also reported a player pocketing chips and claimed that dealers were exposing cards to players. When he complained, Holtz was reportedly labeled a "cry baby" by a member of staff. "A dealer should never talk to a player like that," Holtz said. "He should be fired on the spot."
Holtz believes that cheating is a major issue in the poker community and that players need to stand up and challenge it before it becomes overwhelming. "That's what poker has dissolved into at this point. It's about who can cheat better," Holtz insisted. "We have to come together as a community and say f*ck this bullsh*t. Stop cheating us."
A call for action
Despite facing criticism for being vocal about the issue, Holtz continues to call attention to the problem of cheating in poker. He praised the Wynn Las Vegas for taking measures against cheating, stating that the casino is "on point," and that other casinos should follow suit.
While recent actions have been taken against repeat offenders and for systemic failures, specific anti-cheating mechanisms for live poker tournaments – such as enhanced collusion detection – remain less explicitly detailed. It's clear, however, that the poker community needs to address the issue of cheating and hold those responsible accountable.
Precedents and actions
Recent actions addressing cheating in Las Vegas poker-related activities include disciplinary measures against repeat offenders and regulatory settlements for systemic failures. For example, Ali Imsirovic, a self-admitted cheater, was expelled from a tournament following his admission of multi-accounting. Dan Bilzerian faces allegations of collusion via multi-accounting in online cash games, although no formal punitive action has been taken yet.
Regulatory bodies have also taken action against casinos for financial oversight failures. MGM Resorts, for example, paid an $8.5 million settlement for anti-money laundering lapses, while Resorts World agreed to a $10.5 million settlement for inadequate due diligence on high-roller deposits.
In addition, court cases such as Phil Ivey's edge-sorting case have led to stricter technical compliance in table games, although this has yet to be extended to live poker tournaments. The issue of cheating in poker tournaments remains a significant concern and calls for a collective response from the poker community and regulatory bodies.
- Mike Holtz, an American poker pro and cohost of the PokerNews Podcast, claimed that he had caught a group of cheaters in casino-games at Resorts World, providing evidence of a cheating incident at the $800 Main Event.
- In a video posted to his social media account, Holtz detailed his experiences with colleagues, Zheng and Leonard, who similarly encountered cheating at The Venetian and accused two players of chipdumping.
- Holtz believes that the players he accused at Resorts World are connected to those called out by Zheng and Leonard in The Venetian, and is calling on the casino-community to address the issue of cheating in casino-and-gambling establishments.
- Poker personalities like Eric Zheng, Patrick Leonard, and Mike Holtz have been vocal about potential cheating trends in Las Vegas, exposing incidents of collusion, chip dumping, and even dealer misconduct in casino-games.
- Holtz praised the Wynn Las Vegas for taking measures against cheating, stating that the casino is "on point," and that other casinos should follow suit to ensure a fair casino-culture for all players.
- Regulatory bodies and casinos alike have taken actions against cheating in casino-related activities, including disciplinary measures against repeat offenders, regulatory settlements for systemic failures, and stricter technical compliance in table games, but specific anti-cheating mechanisms for live poker tournaments are yet to be explicitly detailed.
