PokerStars proposes software changes after bot scandal
Changes to list of permissible third-party software moves to regain trust of casual players
PokerStars has announced a series of proposed changes to the types of third-party software allowed on its client, as it also aims to rebuild player trust after another bot scandal.
The operator is currently investigating a largely Russia-based ring of players suspected using bots on the site’s pot limit Omaha games who went on to win at least $2.8m illegitimately.
The new rules, proposed by Stars on the 2+2 online forum, are not related to the investigation but instead aim to curb the range of third-party tools allowed on its client which help players make decisions. The prevalence of these tools is seen as a major reason behind the downturn in casual and first-time players playing poker.
“PokerStars continually reviews and updates our poker game rules to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the industry and reflect the current state of poker, which constantly evolves,” a PokerStars spokesperson told eGaming Review this morning.
“We have to evolve along with the game. We regularly consult with players in advance of significant changes in order to gain their insights and perspectives,” he added.
In a forum post, PokerStars described the use of third-party software as a “highly complex and contentious issue”, and added that it was “strongly considering changing” changing its policies.
Among the new types of software that could be prohibited are tools which give players complex playing advice for specific scenarios, particularly related to short-stacked tournament play.
The changes could affect the legality of several pieces of market-leading third-party software, including PokerStove and NoteCaddy.
The poker vertical has struggled to match the growth of sports betting, casino or bingo in recent years, stagnating or declining across most developed markets. In Q1, revenues declined 10% year-on-year in Denmark and also suffered a 5% decline in GGR in Spain.