As online poker has become more sophisticated, so have programs that can be used maliciously. Cheating and unfair play aren’t new in poker, whether playing live games or on sites, but the latest technologies can be more undetectable.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology finds that many gamers are compelled to cheat due to competitive motivation, often exacerbated by aggression. Some poker players may want to boost their chances of winning by using programs to assist them and create an unfair advantage. In response to these technologies, the leading US online poker site, Americas Cardroom, has restricted and banned these tools to promote fair play and authentic poker experiences. Software such as external assistance tools and virtual machines has been prohibited to ensure a level playing field and maintain player trust. Here’s a closer look at Americas Cardroom’s restricted programs exclusion and virtual machine ban, as well as how other technologies enhance fair play.
Restricted programs and virtual machines
In 2021, Americas Cardroom updated its software to prevent players from running external assistance tools while the poker client is open. Players won’t be able to play poker when using these programs, ensuring that players won’t be able to gain an unfair advantage when playing tournaments. Players might use external assistance tools to help practice their strategies, which may be helpful for beginner or novice players who are still learning the ropes.
One example is a poker solver, a tool that analyzes hands and situations players may encounter and offers guidance on making the right decisions. They can help players perform optimal plays and provide feedback to help them improve. Though they can be helpful study tools, poker solvers and other external assistance tools may create an unfair environment, leading Americas Cardroom to restrict these programs when playing on the platform. The site also has guidelines for these tools. They shouldn’t display real-time information related to the play at hand, suggest strategies, or automate gameplay. Players should make their own observations and decisions without guidance from the software.
An article on Gaming Americas reports that another type of program banned by Americas Cardroom is virtual machines, which may also give groups of players an unfair advantage in games and tournaments. A virtual machine uses software to run programs and deploy apps, store data, connect to networks, and more without using a physical computer or components. As Tech Target notes, a single computer can host multiple virtual machines running different operating systems and applications without affecting each other. It is possible to run different environments simultaneously. As such, the Americas Cardroom program must be run on a native hard drive.
Additionally, the poker platform has prohibited the use of tools that allow players to remotely access another computer or operating system, also known as remote access platforms. TeamViewer is an example of this program and is available on operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. If used in the context of online poker, remote access tools may allow players to work together and affect the authenticity and fairness of the game by controlling the computer or system from a different location. TeamViewer may also facilitate video and audio transmissions, which can contribute to collusion.
Technology for fair play
Aside from restrictions and bans on certain tools, Americas Cardroom utilizes technology to ensure fairness, security, and integrity while playing. To prevent biased outcomes, the platform uses a random number generator (RNG) to ensure each hand dealt is random. The RNG works by using an algorithm to simulate random occurrences, such as the act of physically shuffling a deck of cards at a real-life poker table. A trusted third-party auditor has also investigated the RNG to verify its reliability and effectiveness, and the certification is displayed on the site for transparency. Players can be assured that the platform does not influence outcomes or favor certain players in any way. Americas Cardroom also uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to spot suspicious activity and has a dedicated Security and Integrity team that works to find and shut down any bad actors. These technologies and measures help foster a trusted and fair environment for players.
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