Collusion in Poker
First described in the 1800s as the "cheating game," Poker
initially had a reputation for attracting low-life characters, including
swindlers and card sharks. Prior to the 1970s, Poker was not found at
many casinos because of the difficulty of keeping out cheaters. Better
security techniques, however, and the game's increasing popularity led
to the reintroducti on of Poker to the casino experience, both offline
and online.
Online Poker rooms are safe from methods of cheating common at physical
Poker games. No one can mark the cards, no one can peek at your hole cards,
no one can stack the deck, and no one can sneak a peak at the cards dealt
by the dealer.
However, there is one method of cheating that targets online Poker rooms,
and that is collusion among players. When players share information about
their hands in efforts to help each other to win, or to force other players
to place more money in the pot, they are ruining the Poker experience
for all involved.
Collusion is not tolerated at any online Poker room. Sites use a combination
of automated and human monitoring tools to identify and prevent any irregular
play patterns or incidences of collusion between players. Sites are highly
secretive about the methods they employ so as not to allow potential colluders
to garner any tips.
It is relatively easy for two players to collude together, but it is
becoming increasingly easy for online sites to detect this collusion.
Players are warned that this inappropriate behavior will imminently lead
to their being banned from playing Poker at online sites.
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