888poker Pays $250K Out of Own Pocket to Players Cheated by Bots and RTA Users
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The use of RTA (real-time-assistance) software, especially in the online poker community, is a widespread problem on the increase.
888poker, as one of the leading entities in the poker industry, is actively addressing this challenge head-on for the benefit of its players.
Throughout 2023, 888poker refunded $362,893 to 4,068 players who fell victim to opponents using AI software in the form of bots or RTA, underlining its commitment to player protection.
888poker's Vigilant Stand Against Bots!
It's evident that RTA tools provide an unfair advantage at the poker table. Consequently, 888poker has taken on the responsibility of cracking down on players utilizing this AI technology.
In this pursuit, 888poker took action against 161 accounts employing AI (Bots/RTA) software in 2023.
The platform remains unwavering in its dedication to continuing the fight in 2024, ensuring that all players encounter a level playing field when engaging in a game.
888poker's Pledge to Fair and Responsible Gaming
The commitment to implementing new technology to combat bots remains pivotal in 888poker's efforts to secure a safe, fair, and enjoyable poker experience for all players.
Continuing the charge into 2024, Matan Krakow, Head of Poker Offering at 888poker, conveyed the commitment to addressing responsible gaming issues within online poker:
“Our continued progress in tackling bots stems from the understanding that it is crucial in order to ensure that 888poker continues to provide an enjoyable, safe, and level playing field for all our players”.
“This has been driven not only by our increased investment in our detection capabilities but also through the continued support and cooperation of our players, who have an important role to play in helping provide us with vital information about players they think are using AI and RTA”.
“It is not only important for us to detect and block accounts using AI, but also to make sure that players who lost to accounts using illegal software get properly compensated. This year we paid approximately $250K to players out of our own pockets when it was not possible to retain the funds from blocked accounts”.
“We continue to consult with advisors who are top-notch in terms of analyzing hand histories and detecting non-human patterns. Based on feedback we are receiving, we understand that after much work has been done on this front in the last couple of years, 888 is in very good shape compared to our competitors on this front and has a clean and safe playing environment”.
“It is an ongoing effort, and we will continue to do all in our power to ensure we keep poker fun and fair, and listening to our players will continue to be a key factor to progress on this front.”
Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum's proudest poker achievement is winning the only tournament he has ever played in Las Vegas, the prestigious $60 Flamingo evening event.
