Is Online Poker Dead? The Rise of Collusion & Bots

Have you ever joined an online poker game and wondered if everyone is playing fair and sticking to the rules? Many players share the same concerns, especially as online poker faces challenges that didn’t exist a few years ago.

Collusion and bots are just two challenges that many players face in online poker, as players can be easily outperformed or feel like the odds are stacked against their favour.

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether online poker seems to be getting harder while discovering the challenges every player can face and examining the future of online poker.

Online Poker Is Getting Harder: Myth or Reality?

Have you ever felt that online poker games are getting more challenging? Many players often talk about how online poker games seem tougher, but is there more to this than meets the eye?

It is wise to consider how much poker has changed over the years, as players have more opportunities to develop their skills through the use of strategy guides and video tutorials. Additional learning material has meant that the skill level is more likely to increase as players can study and practise new techniques.

The rise of technology means there are more resources available, such as hand trackers and analytics, allowing players to review their previous matches to identify any mistakes. While these tools can be a great help, they also mean that anyone using them likely has an advantage over those who don’t.

While some believe online poker is getting harder, others argue this is not the case. Although there are many skilled poker players, there are also beginners who join poker sites every day, meaning there is a variation of skill levels.

Another important aspect to consider is that no matter how skilled a player is, poker always involves an element of chance. Any player, regardless of experience, can potentially win big or lose a game.

Many players may have different opinions on whether they think online poker is getting harder. Their opinion may depend on their experiences against other players; however, poker remains an enjoyable game that provides everyone with the opportunity to learn and develop their skills.

Has AI Ruined Online Poker?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed how online poker works, but what does this mean for poker players? Some people have begun to use AI to create bots—computer programmes that play poker without human input.

These AI bots can quickly process lots of information, often making decisions more consistently than a person; however, it can be frustrating if you’re unknowingly playing against them.

Poker sites are aware of the use of AI bots, and they put a lot of effort into finding and banning the accounts that use them.

In the UK, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) ensures that poker sites follow strict rules to protect players and ensure fair play. Although AI is often used to create bots to play poker, it can also be used to help players develop and improve their poker skills.

The Uphill Battle Against Collusion Rings

Collusion in poker happens when players secretly work together to cheat, giving players an unfair advantage over those who are unaware of their scheme.

Collusion rings are groups of players collaborating to potentially maximise their winnings, often sharing information about their cards or using coded signals to guide their play. This covert teamwork can seriously disrupt the fairness of the game, making it difficult for others to enjoy a fair competition.

In online poker, detecting collusion isn’t easy as those involved can operate unnoticed; however, reputable poker sites in the UK take this issue seriously.

They use advanced software designed to spot unusual patterns, such as players consistently winning with certain partners or always folding against the same opponents to maintain fairness.

Even with these precautions, collusion rings remain a challenge, as they can erode trust among players and make the game less enjoyable for those who love a fair contest.

Always remember to choose a platform licenced by the UKGC to ensure you have an enjoyable gaming experience.

How Does Online Poker Prevent Cheating?

Online poker sites work hard to prevent cheating, using advanced tools and strict rules to ensure the game remains fair.

The first step in preventing cheating is using clever software to keep an eye on games, looking for anything unusual, like someone winning far too often or betting in a way that doesn’t make sense. If something seems off, the site investigates to find out what’s going on.

To stop players from colluding, online poker sites limit how players can talk to each other during a game, making it much harder for people to work together unfairly.

Even if cheating happens, the software can often spot it after the fact. When this happens, the accounts involved can be suspended or banned to protect honest players and keep the game fair for everyone.

All licensed poker sites in the UK are regulated by organisations like the UKGC, ensuring poker sites follow strict rules to keep the games safe and fair.

What Is The Future of Online Poker?

The future of online poker is a topic of interest for both seasoned players and newcomers, as advancements in technology mean poker will continue to evolve.

One likely trend is the improvement of security measures. As concerns about collusion and bots grow, poker sites are investing in more robust software to ensure fair play, including advanced detection systems to monitor unusual activity and protect honest players.

The increased use of mobile devices means poker sites are likely to improve their mobile platforms, making it easier for you to enjoy poker at a time and place that suits you without compromising on functionality or enjoyment.

Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable online poker experience. Ensure your online poker experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.