PartyPoker has taken a firm stance against cheating in poker by introducing a policy that bans players caught cheating online from participating in its live events. This zero-tolerance approach, spearheaded by Juha Pasanen, Head of Gaming Integrity, aims to ensure fairness and integrity across both virtual and physical poker tables. As the PartyPoker Tour kicks off this month in London, the company’s commitment to game integrity is under the spotlight.
The Poker Blacklist: A Bold Move
PartyPoker’s “poker blacklist” was formally introduced in 2022 as part of its broader effort to eliminate bad actors from the game. The policy ensures that players banned for cheating online—whether through bot usage, collusion, or other unfair practices—are also barred from competing in live tournaments.
With over 1,000 players expected to attend PartyPoker’s live events through promotions and satellites, the blacklist aims to protect legitimate players from facing dishonest opponents. Pasanen emphasized that poker should be a fair and honest game, regardless of the setting.
A Push for a Global Poker Blacklist
PartyPoker has floated the idea of a global poker blacklist that would prevent cheaters banned on one platform from playing on others. While this concept has garnered support from other operators, regulatory and logistical challenges make its implementation difficult. Nevertheless, PartyPoker remains committed to leading discussions on universal measures against cheating.
How PartyPoker Catches Cheaters
To uphold fair play, PartyPoker has invested heavily in its Game Integrity team, which monitors violations such as:
- Bot Usage: Automated programs that play hands for users.
- Real-Time Assistance (RTA): Tools providing illegal advice during games.
- Collusion and Chip Dumping: Coordinated efforts between players to gain an advantage.
- Ghosting and Multi-Accounting: Playing under multiple accounts or receiving external help during games.
- Use of Banned Software: Including Heads-Up Displays (HUDs).
Since adopting these measures, PartyPoker has banned over 2,500 accounts and redistributed $2.3 million in confiscated funds to honest players.
Game Integrity at the PartyPoker Tour
As the PartyPoker Tour returns in April 2025 with stops across the UK, game integrity will remain a focal point. The first event kicks off in London on April 19, where members of the Game Integrity Team will be present to address player concerns and ensure fair competition.
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