The nature of online poker makes it highly vulnerable to cheating and this is what online poker rooms have been working so hard to address in recent years. They have enhanced their security and detection measures to effectively combat the many forms of cheating employed by some players, particularly the use of Real Time Assistance (RTA).
At the forefront of the ongoing campaign of maintaining the game’s integrity is PokerStars which recently gave an update on their efforts to block RTA. In a recent blog post, PokerStars’ Head of Game Integrity Francis Lincoln outlined how the site combats RTA, the team involved in it, and the consequences for players found to be using the prohibited software.
Getting Ahead of the Curve
According to Lincoln, PokerStars has been successfully fighting cheats for nearly two decades, and while their detection mechanisms have evolved over the years, their strategy to ensure every player engages on a level playing field remains the same – identify the threats early and continue to innovate and improve the tools to get ahead of the curve.
PokerStars identify potential RTA use by a player via alerts in real-time. The alerts are prompted by the site’s system-integrated detection tools. An experienced agent investigates the case and makes a decision. Afterwards, the case is forwarded to another agent who will review it and reach a conclusion.
Permanent Ban on RTA Users
Lincoln highlights their zero-tolerance approach to RTA use, with the operator imposing a permanent ban on players caught cheating using the software. The balance is then confiscated and re-distributed to those affected.
GGPoker will be sending players to the upcoming WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas via the “Road to Paradise” promo which officially kicked off on October 1. The online poker operator will be running a series of qualifiers and freerolls, giving players the opportunity to secure a seat to some of the key events of the series without hurting their pockets.
Biggest Satellite in Poker History
WSOP Paradise runs from December 3-14 at the Atlantis Casino & Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Players will compete across 15 bracelet events, with $50 million in guarantees up for grabs.
GGPoker earlier promised to send around 1,000 players to the prestigious event and that’s highly possible, with the operator offering plenty of ways for players to qualify. That includes a special phased satellite which the site has claimed as the “biggest satellite of all time”, the details of which will be announced soon.
GGPoker Hosting WSOP Paradise Online Qualifiers
GGpoker has already been hosting online qualifiers for WSOP Paradise even before launching the Road to Paradise promo. So far, the operator has already given away Main Event packages each worth $10,000 to around 100 players. VIP packages valued at $35,000 are also on offer, granting players entry into the $25,000 GGMillion$.
Qualifiers for the Main Event and the $25K GGMillion$ start at $15 and $40 respectively.
Poker players around the world would love the chance to be sponsored by a top poker brand as it does wonders for their profile and gives them access to a lot more poker tournaments and opportunities.
Maria Konnikova had the opportunity to be a poker ambassador with the number one online poker site in the world PokerStars in the past. She recently announced that PokerStars has offered her another opportunity to join their stable of ambassadors.
Konnikova Will Represent Brand In North American Market
Konnikova is a Russian-American writer that has published a number of books including ‘The Biggest Bluff’ and ‘The Confidence Game’. Her first stint as a PokerStars ambassador came to an end in 2019. The online poker giant does not usually resign poker ambassadors as so far only three poker ambassadors have been re-signed, with Konnikova becoming the fourth.
Konnikova will represent the PokerStars brand in the North American poker market. Apart from being a successful author, she also holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has just under $500,000 in prize money based on the Hendon Mob.
Konnikova said she was excited to re-join PokerStars and looked forward to the journey!
The celebration of Doyle Brunson’s life and legacy continues with PokerStars set to host a Ten-Deuce Freeroll on October 2 in honor of the late poker legend. The tournament is a reference to the iconic ten-deuce hand that enabled Brunson to score a back-to-back victory in the World Series of Poker Main Event (1976 & 1977).
PokerStars Ten-Deuce Freeroll – Key Details
The Ten-Deuce Freeroll is open to players in PokerStars’ markets in the US and Canada and is scheduled for October 2, which is also the final day of the ongoing 2023 North American Championship of Online Poker (NACOOP).
Those in New Jersey and Michigan which have a shared player pool will be competing for $10,200 in guarantees, with PokerStars also offering the same guaranteed prize pool in the ring-fenced markets of Pennsylvania and Ontario.
On top of that, players may also win extra prizes in the form of tickets to upcoming PokerStars tournaments as well as casino bonuses. Players may claim tickets for the freeroll via the PokerStars client.
Oct. 2 is Doyle Brunson Day
In July, during a memorial for The Godfather of Poker, the poker world agreed to make October 2 Doyle Brunson Day. Apart from PokerStars, other operators are expected to run events on that day to celebrate Brunson’s legacy.
This October marks the first time that PokerStars’ European Poker Tour (EPT) is visiting Cyprus, and the operator wants to make sure players make the most out of their trip by offering not only high-quality poker action but also fun and memorable experiences for everyone.
EPT Cyprus – Main Highlights
EPT Cyprus runs from October 11-22 at the 5-star Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. The series features a total of 59 tournaments, and the key events to watch out for include the $50,000 EPT Super High Roller (Oct. 15-17), $5,300 EPT Main Event (Oct. 16-22), $3,000 WPT Mystery Bounty (Oct. 18-20), and $10,000 EPT High Roller (Oct. 20-22).
The EPT Main Event is expected to attract the most attention, with the winner likely to walk away with a six-figure payout.
The EPT Cyprus schedule also includes big events under the Eureka Poker Tour brand, such as the $1,100 Eureka Main Event (October 12-16).
Off-the-Felt Activities
Poker won’t be the only source of fun and excitement for players as PokerStars has also organized a list of off-the-felt activities for everyone to enjoy, including a party with a live set from DJ Gianluca Viacchi, an island boat trip, Jeep safari, a wine & cheese pairing experience, and a football tournament.