After recently putting in place restrictions on seating scripts in cash games, PokerStars has introduced a blanket ban on all automated software seating scripts. The blanket ban came into force on April 11 and has been appreciated by poker players from around the world.
PokerStars initially announced changes to its third party tool policies on February 27, via a blog written by Severin Rasset, PokerStars Director of innovation and poker operations. Players were still being allowed to be automatically seated at a cash game table, but they were prohibited from using seating scripts according to player profiling or performance statistics. The move was to ensure that the same rules and standard were being followed by everyone.
Ensuring A Safe and Fair Environment
PokerStars moved to implement the changes amid the recent rise of tools that provide their users with advantages over their opponents. This according to the online poker room was undermining the spirit of the game. In his February 27 blog, Rasset explained that the policy changes were implemented in a bid to provide a safe and fair gaming environment for all its players.
The use of bots has always been banned by PokerStars and now the online poker room is concentrating on getting rid of other potential threats which diminish the overall gaming experience of its players.
In its continuing effort to eliminate any destructive practice that blocks amateur and recreational poker players from developing their skills, PokerStars implemented the “Seat Me” feature in the segregated Southern European markets. The program prevented players from selecting their own seats and tables in cash games. The program was trialed for one year in PokerStars’ Spanish client and was eventually rolled out in the shared liquidity market between France, Spain and Portugal.
PokerStars also introduced limits on using starting hand charts which provide extensive reference material to players, artificially boosting their performance. Other materials being banned while the poker client is open are range vs. range simulators and other tools or services that have the ability to perform advanced equity calculations.
The online poker room is currently allowing, the restricted use of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) and tools used for determining pot odds.
Concerns Raised Over Bum Hunting
The process of using automated scripts is known as “bum hunting” and is practiced as a viable strategy in poker. The more-skilled players look for the weaker opponents, giving them an edge as they play. In online poker, some players use third-party tools to automate table and seat selection at cash games. The software goes over the lobbies to identify the lesser skilled opponents taking into account player notes and statistics. Concerns have been raised on this issue as the weaker players are being deprived of a level playing field when these automated programs are used.
When the initial restrictions took effect in early March, it led to some undesirable effects after script developers created workarounds which enabled table blocking for non-script users, and left dozens of seat reservations.
Anti-Scripts Petition
Players then contacted PokerStars’ support teams and called for a total prohibition of automated seating scripts. An anti-scripts petition was launched on Two Plus Two forums, initiated by a user known as “sandr1x”. Shortly after, a representative of the Stars Group Game Integrity team posted in the thread and announced that all automated seating scripts will be banned effective immediately. The PokerStars team thanked everyone who raised their concerns on the issue.
Positive Feedback
With the changes having been fully rolled out, players on the Two Plus Two thread were delighted and totally pleased with the lack of seat reservations at their tables. PokerStars has a 41-page dossier on the use of third-party software, that indicates whether a tool is allowed at all times; prohibited only when the client is open; or not permitted at all times.
The guidelines have since been updated, putting selection efficiency tools and automated seating scripts under the third category. This means the practice of bum hunting will no longer be allowed.
As of this writing, the latest changes have had a positive impact on PokerStars’ cash games. This being said, other online poker websites might consider going down a similar route. There have been rumors circulating lately that rival partypoker is planning to ban HUDs and implement similar changes, but partypoker management has release an official statement on the matter till date.