Poker platforms GGPoker and WSOP prohibit players from utilizing Real Time Assistance (RTA) software.
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Taking a Stand on Cheating: 31 Players Banned from GGPoker
Announced via X on March 1, 2025, GGPoker booted out a whopping 31 players from their online poker platform for violating the fair play rules by employing Real-Time Assistance (RTA) software. This software provides players with mathematically calculated decisions during the gameplay, giving them an unfair advantage.
GGPoker's Clampdown: Putting an End to Unfair Gameplay
Joining forces with GTO Wizard, GGPoker has cast off these 31 players accused of using RTA software. Not only are they barred from the online platform, but they're also handcuffed from participating in the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Fedor Holz (31), a member of GGPoker's Poker Integrity Council, confirmed this strict action, stating that "The cheating temptresses have been shown the door from our virtual tables, and the WSOP ain't gonna let 'em in either."
RTA Software: The Secret Weapon of Some Not-So-Honest Players
RTA programs are software that offer poker players mathematically optimal decisions in real-time, thanks to the Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy. These secrets weapons provide solutions to almost every game situation, promising close-to-perfect gameplay.
- Real-time Decisions: The software analyzes the current hand and compares it to predefined game situations, providing recommendations for optimal moves.
- Live Coaching During Play: Unlike traditional poker analysis tools, RTA software offers in-game advice.
- Perfecting GTO Play: The tool suggests whether to check, raise, or fold based on probabilities and an opponent's range.
- Unfair Advantage: RTA software replaces human decision-making, providing an advantage that some might consider unacceptable. That's why most poker providers have banned these tools and punish those who use them.
Controversial RTA Software Causes Stir Among Players
Things escalated quickly when two professional players from Americas Cardroom (ACR) inadvertently published evidence of using RTA software during a game. Argentine Nacho Barbero (43) and another player were accused of cheating after a photo showed them using the GTO Wizard software during a game. In response, they claimed it was merely for coaching purposes.
Barbero's not the first one caught with his hand in the cookie jar; Ebony Kenney (46) shared an old image on social media showing RTA software in action during a game. Both claim they only used it for study purposes.
A Sordid History of RTA Misuse
In the not-so-distant past, high-profile incidents like these have cropped up repeatedly. Back in 2020, GGPoker disqualified 40 players caught using RTA tools. Other platforms have faced similar challenges: Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler have been embroiled in RTA and multi-accounting scandals.
Other Poker Providers Step Up Against RTA
Not content to stand on the sidelines, other poker platforms are taking a stand against RTA software. Partypoker forbids the use of any tools interfering with real-time decision-making processes. Their list of approved third-party programs is public information, and violations lead to account closures and the confiscation of funds.
PokerStars takes an even harder stance, continually refining their detection systems to recognize unusual patterns. Once a player is found guilty of cheating, their account is shuttered, and their funds are used to compensate the victims.
Cracking Down on Cheaters: What They're Doing
- AI-Powered Analysis: Advanced AI tools are used to monitor player activity for signs of RTA use, such as suspiciously consistent reaction times or win rates.
- Analyzing Player Behavior: Continuous refinement of detection capabilities involves identifying anomalies in player behavior, helping platforms spot the difference between humans and RTA-assisted players.
- Identifying Bot Activity: Platforms monitor for signs of bot activity, including Fully Automated Bots (FABs) and Push This Button Bots (PTBBs), both of which are prohibited.
- Prohibition and Penalties: Players caught employing RTA software risk account suspensions, account closures, and even legal consequences.
- Data Encryption and Authentication: Platforms use biometric authentication and encrypted communications to ensure game integrity.
- Blockchain Technology: Some platforms are exploring the use of blockchain technology to record and verify game actions in real-time.
- Continuous Updates: Platforms frequently update their detection systems to keep one step ahead of RTA technology innovations.
- Promoting Fair Play: Platforms communicate with players about the risks and consequences of using RTA and advocate for fairness and transparency.
- GGPoker, in a bid to uphold fair play, has expelled 31 players who violated the rules by utilizing Real-Time Assistance (RTA) software, which provides mathematically calculated decisions, giving an unfair advantage.
- The recently banned players are also barred from participating in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), as confirmed by Fedor Holz, a member of GGPoker's Poker Integrity Council.
- RTA programs, like GTO Wizard, offer poker players mathematically optimal decisions in real-time, employing the Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy, and providing solutions to almost every game situation.
- RTA software replaces human decision-making, providing an advantage that some might find unacceptable, which is why most poker providers have prohibited these tools and punish those who use them.
- The use of RTA software has stirred controversy, with players like Nacho Barbero and another from Americas Cardroom being accused of cheating after a photo showed them using it during a game.
- In an effort to combat RTA misuse, other poker platforms such as Partypoker and PokerStars have enforced strict prohibitions against the use of any tools interfering with real-time decision-making processes, with violations resulting in account closures and the confiscation of funds.
