Poker bots are automated programs that play poker without human input. They, along with other cheating methods, threaten the integrity of online poker.
Fair games require constant vigilance
| Type |
Description |
| Simple bots |
Basic ABC poker |
| Advanced bots |
Solver-level play |
| Superhuman bots |
Libratus/Pluribus-level AI |
| Type |
Description |
| Solver consultation |
Running solver mid-hand |
| Preflop charts |
Automated hand selection |
| HUD abuse |
Beyond allowed limits |
| Type |
Description |
| Hole card sharing |
Know partner's cards |
| Chip dumping |
Intentional losing |
| Soft play |
Not playing hard vs partner |
| Type |
Description |
| Multi-accounting |
Multiple accounts same person |
| Account sharing |
Different person plays |
| Ghosting |
Expert plays someone's account |
| Method |
Description |
| Pattern detection |
Unusual play patterns |
| Statistical analysis |
Impossible win rates |
| Device fingerprinting |
Track unique devices |
| IP monitoring |
Geographic/network analysis |
| Manual review |
Security team investigation |
| Player reports |
Community watchdogs |
| Sign |
Why Suspicious |
| Perfect timing |
Always same time to act |
| 24/7 play |
No breaks, ever |
| Robotic patterns |
No variation |
| No chat response |
Can't pass Turing test |
| Plays "solver-like" |
Too perfect |
| Action |
Why |
| Play on reputable sites |
Better security |
| Report suspicious players |
Help the community |
| Monitor your play |
Notice consistent strange losses |
| Use allowed tools only |
Don't become part of problem |
| Generally Allowed |
Not Allowed |
| HUD with basic stats |
RTA during play |
| Hand history review (after) |
Solver consultation (during) |
| Preflop charts (memorized) |
Automated chart input |
| Note-taking |
Account sharing |
Rules vary by site—always check terms.
| Reality |
Implication |
| Bots are improving |
Sites must keep up |
| Detection is imperfect |
Some slip through |
| Honest players suffer |
Unfair competition |
| Community matters |
Report cheaters |
Bots, RTA, and collusion threaten online poker. Play on sites with strong security, report suspicious activity, and don't become part of the problem. Fair games benefit everyone—except the cheaters.