How PokerStars are dealing with AI and Bots
A new Game Integrity page reveals more about the processes PokerStars use to catch cheaters, including those using illegal software.
In the aftermath of a second WCOOP Main Event winner revealed to be a cheat, PokerStars have unveiled new information about how they catch cheaters, as well as what they are doing to deal with Bots and the threat of Artificial Intelligence.
On a new Game Integrity page, they reveal that a team of 60 specialists, ex-professional poker players, qualified data scientists and statistical analysts use custom built software to catch multiaccounters, colluders and people using banned software.
PokerStars have always kept their cards close to their chest when it comes to revealing how they catch cheaters (for the obvious reason of not helping them avoid detection), but they have produced two new videos on the topic.
They also revealed what they are doing to deal with the threat of Bots and Artificial Intelligence. This comes after Morgan Stanley downgraded online poker operators, including The Stars Group, last year because of the threat that AI poses to game integrity.
95% of cases of cheating are discovered by their internal processes and they revealed just how an investigation takes place. Most big winners and especially flagship tournament winners are monitored. This is how they describe the rigour of their reviews:
The PokerStars Game Integrity team operates a peer review system so that all investigations undergo rigorous examination. When a Game Integrity agent investigates a case, they provide a recommendation for its resolution to a second agent who has conducted a mirrored investigation. If their conclusions are not the same, the case will be reviewed by a third agent to create a majority decision. An expert QA (quality assessment) team also regularly reviews cases to ensure that investigations have been correctly carried out and that no stone has been left unturned.
Finally, the page reveals that PokerStars remains commited to making sure hand histories are available to players, both to help you review your play and also as a way to spot cheating.
Earlier this month it was revealed that after a long investigation, 2018 WCOOP Main Event champion 'wann2play' was disqualified for breaking the PokerStars Terms & Conditions. Their $1,352,967.97 in winnings were redistributed to the other players who cashed in the event.
