Poker Scam

Is online poker just a scam?

Online poker scam

In previous years the Absolute Poker scandal proved to poker players all around that cheating in online poker does happen (besides collusion,bots) on a level where most of us wouldn’t imagine . Since poker rooms rake in hundreds of thousands in profit each day , you’d think it’s regulated in some way that employees or consultants can’t scam money out of players with their “SuperUser” accounts . After the accidental release of hand histories , the extracted stats from the data spoke for themselves and urged many players to switch platforms or get out of online poker definitely . AbsolutePoker cheaters played way too obviously , and even if cheating did not occur on the lower limits , this a red flag (as red as it can get) for this network . The fact that they denied the cheating until proven , claiming later that their software has been hacked doesn’t help the networks position either .

How to avoid being scammed and online poker scams?
If you are against a “SuperUser” you better have the stats for it to prove , one of the most obvious plays from POTRIPPER was when he called a sick 180.000 pot 9 high bluff with his 10 high . There here are other ways you could get scammed or cheated , listed some :

Collusion – Several players at the same table share information

Software to reveal hole cards – “SuperUsers” may exists , but it is very unlikely that they would implement it into a software and willing to sell it for $29.99 . If you pay for a software that claims such , you can guess who will be scammed . The best you can get on your opponents is their stats (preflop raise , vpip , aggression , 3bet etc) using a poker tracking software ,you can gather or buy hand history as well (Just make sure to read the T&C) . While some services offer whole databases (ie: PokerEdge ) , use them at your own risk as respectable poker sites (not poker scam sites) prohibit the use of such software and may lead to the closure of your account .(and loss to your funds as well)

PokerBots – There is no doubt that some day a computer program (bot) will be able to play on a competitive level , limit holdem bots perhaps even today . But poker is a psychological game where chance plays a major role , a lot of factors are to be considered . Playing just mathematically correct poker will not make you the best poker player . PokerStars is firmly against poker bots , as they included it in their terms as well .

MoneyExchange/Loaning – Passwords get lost/stolen , users are not always who they appear . If someone asks for a loan or exchange think twice before shipping the money , make sure you are talking to the right person .

Play on trusted sites (large/medium poker rooms) – Always play on an established , trusted in every aspect poker sites , that’s the only way to avoid a poker scam site. That way there’s no risk that they close their doors and you find yourself without your poker bankroll (Pitbull Poker) . Also had cases where they claimed they “miscalculated the bonus clearing” and released a partial amount of the cashout (These kind of mistakes can not be tolerated)

Online poker is rigged (poker scam) ?

- Some players love to tell their bad beat stories and some just like to complain and write with caps “FULL TILT RIGGED” , backing up their claim with 2-3 bad beats or sessions . The bad luck streaks last sometimes longer , all part of poker and can’t be considered proof that a poker site is a scam (rigged) . What you need to do is gather a large chunk of data and apply statistical inference . If you are right , the results itself will be all the proof required to take action . If sites were rigged , they’d be more than likely not rigged in a way to single out poker players to scam them . They would probably influence the RNG to give out cards in a way to induce action .

Poker scam or not?

Get rakeback – Not exactly a poker scam , but if you play without rakeback (decent amount), you are losing an extra income that otherwise would be a significant addon to your bankroll . How much is rakeback? Use the rakeback calculator to get and estimate .

If this article didn’t provide you with enough information on poker scams and ways to cheat at online poker , simply google for more information on poker scam .