Poker softwares, forbiden online use.

16.12.2008, 12:50 0

Hi,

I have been studying at pokerstrategy.com for a couple of months now and I play at Full Tilt Poker. I've been successfully playing NL10 and nearly going on to NL25, your study material is great and has helped me a lot.

I have already become acquaited with the softwares Elephant and Equilator, and have tried the former a few times, though at the moment I play without stats, but use the Equilator more often. However I have just had my account closed by FTP on the grounds of account misuse and use of forbiden software etc. It seems both the Elephant and the Equilator are forbiden by their terms. I was not aware of that, I must admit that as I started playing I did not read their license agreemet thouroughly, I guess few people do.

But as the programmes were presented by pokerstrategy, there was no mention of this possible issue, nor have I read anywhere, or hear any of the judges or coaches ever advising us not to make use of such programmes as we are on line (with the elephant that is impossible) - at least I was not aware of any, perhpaps I just missed it. The only use I made with the Equilator was in order to analyse a few hand ranges as study, I could not possibly use it as I play to help me make decisions, for it is nearly impossible to do that while playing 8 to 10 tables.

I think you could offer some more advice regarding the platforms' security demands for new players in order to help them get acquainted with such matters and to avoid getting good and dedicated students to lose their bankroll and hours of work.

Sincerely,
Dandycal.

9 replies

_Anonymous_

16.12.2008, 13:01 0

They also don't say that your pc may melt while using them (theoreticaly possible to overheat pc with software), in exchange they take no resposibility whatsoever for effects of using it.
It's on YOU to read EULA to know can you use it.

SoyCD

Joined: 20.02.2008

Posts: 6,265

16.12.2008, 13:08 0

Hello dandycal,

As I already replied in your other post on the subject, the Elephant is not forbidden and the Equilator as you stated is not at all usable to make gameplay decisions which is why it also doesn't fit in the description of banned programs on Full Tilt.

Apparently this kind of stuff is suddenly happening to a lot of players both on PokerStrategy and 2+2. If Full Tilt has radically made changes to their banned programs lists we will of course take measures to inform our users, or to make Full Tilt aware of the fact the e.g. the Equilator does not belong on this list.

I would ask Full Tilt what specific programs you have allegedly used - although they will probably just do a general check - in which you should come out clean. Since you are not alone with this problem, I would not get too worried yet.

edit: We have also already contacted Full Tilt on the matter.

Best regards
SoyCD

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_Anonymous_

16.12.2008, 15:06 0

Hi SoyCD,

Thanks for your replies. I have seen your other post, I'm happy to hear I should not worry.

I'll wait for a reply from Full Tilt support and I'll post here if there are any news.

Best Regards,
Dandycal.

_Anonymous_

19.12.2008, 17:33 0

Hi again,

I have finally received an answer from FTP. They have shut down my account for good and banned me from their casino accusing me of fraud and use of ilegal softwares. As I said I had only used the Elephant and the Equilator, never any other programme.

Fortunately they will allow me to withdraw my bankroll.

I guess the Administration of Pokerstrategy should know this, since FTP is one of the school's partners. I have already seen other posts of pokerstrategy players who have lost their accounts on FTP this week as well.

Thanks for your attention,

Dandy.

EDIT: they are asking me to proceed in order to withdraw all my money from FTP. I'm a little worried that this might be some sort of bug or problem, and I think it is better to wait before I proceed with the withdrawal. If you receive any news from them, please tell me so I know what is the best thing to do.

Kimber88

Joined: 08.07.2008

Posts: 1,332

20.12.2008, 15:59 0

This sounds rather weird. If you have only had those two programs open you have not done anything illegal and they should be able to see that and reopen your account. In case you have told the truth in this thread you have definitly been treated unfair.

Here's a copy from FTP homepage about prohibited programs:

The use of shared hand history databases is prohibited

Players may not use databases that include hand histories from hands that they did not personally participate in. This includes large subscription databases, and "hand swapping" with other players. Players who use such databases are deemed to be gaining an unfair advantage over their opponents and will have their accounts closed permanently. Any outstanding balance in their account will be forfeited and used to compensate the victims.

Database programs that track information from a player's personal hand history (i.e. hands in which they have been dealt cards) are permitted.

Skype: andersdthomsen

Working on my mindset

_Anonymous_

21.12.2008, 15:59 0

Might the Equilator fall under this?...

Software capable of making recommendations on betting actions during play is strictly prohibited. This includes programs such as hand strength calculators,

Has anyone on PS been banned just for using Elephant (without the Equilator)?

_Anonymous_

21.12.2008, 20:07 0

This is very very strange.
If this is true, anyone using any type of program, example poker tracker or holdem manager, are screwed. The thing is if they enforce this they will lose way over half their clients, so I highly doubt this would happen.

_Anonymous_

21.12.2008, 21:33 0

Originally posted by Kimber88
Players may not use databases that include hand histories from hands that they did not personally participate in.
.

I have Elephat open every time I watch Ivey,durr and other high stakes players.So that is data mining! But they didn't closed my account. ♦

RMB

Joined: 29.03.2008

Posts: 573

21.12.2008, 23:28 0

Originally posted by njar

Originally posted by Kimber88
Players may not use databases that include hand histories from hands that they did not personally participate in.
.

I have Elephat open every time I watch Ivey,durr and other high stakes players.So that is data mining! But they didn't closed my account. ♦

wonder if I can send this Link or thread to FTP to see if they ban you.. hmmm...

[Closed] Poker softwares, forbiden online use.