Banner image for RTA poker controversy: Why PokerStars bans it and what you need to know

RTA Poker Software: Don't get banned on PokerStars

RTA software is altering online poker. It gives players real-time advice, which isn’t fair. So, big platforms like PokerStars have strict bans on it. Check out why RTA poker is causing such a commotion.

Banner image for RTA poker controversy: Why PokerStars bans it and what you need to know
TAKEAWAYS
RTA software = poker cheat tool
  • 1. What is RTA?: RTA (Real-Time Assistance) uses software to give players advice during games. It calculates the best moves quickly, which many see as cheating.
  • 2. Why is it banned?: Sites like PokerStars ban RTA because it gives an unfair advantage. This ruins fair play and trust in online poker.
  • 3. Who got caught?: Fedor Kruse used RTA and got banned from GGPoker. He lost $250,000 and his reputation suffered greatly.
  • 4. How do sites catch cheaters?: Poker sites use AI, human reviews, and data tracking to find players using RTA tools. It's tough but necessary for fair play.
  • 5. Report suspicious activity: If you think someone is using RTA, report them right away. This helps keep the game fair for all players.

Cover image for The Controversial RTA: Why Poker Sites Are Banning It
published 19 April 2024 on
Report
last updated 8 November 2024
640
1
30min

RTA poker software, often seen as a shortcut to winning, is stirring up quite the controversy in online poker circles. This tool gives players real-time assistance during games, allowing them to make mathematically optimal moves. No wonder it's banned on PokerStars and other major sites! The use of this software undermines fair play and poses a serious threat to the integrity of online poker.

Recommendation by

Don't use RTA software. This keeps the game fair and honest. Cheating just ruins the fun, you know? :)

As experts in the field, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging RTA tools can be. For instance, Fedor Kruse's scandal shook the community when he was caught using RTA software—leading to significant repercussions for him and his reputation.

A HUMOROUS MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER SWEATING PROFUSELY WHILE STARING AT A COMPUTER SCREEN, WITH THE CAPTION "WHEN YOU REALIZE YOUR OPPONENT IS PLAYING WITH RTA SOFTWARE AND YOU'RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF YOU HAVE A FLUSH OR A STRAIGHT"

Stick around; there's much more you need to know about why PokerStars bans RTA and how it impacts all of us who love the game.

RTA in poker: why it's viewed as cheating

RTA in poker stands for Real-Time Assistance. These are tools or software that help players make decisions during games. They can give advice on the best move to make by using computer calculations.

A HUMOROUS SKETCH OF A POKER PLAYER SITTING AT A TABLE WITH A COMPUTER NEXT TO THEM, THE COMPUTER IS WEARING SUNGLASSES AND WHISPERING ADVICE INTO THE PLAYER'S EAR, ILLUSTRATING THE CONCEPT OF RTA IN A LIGHT-HEARTED WAY

These tools take data from poker hands and simulate possible outcomes. This gives players a big advantage, which is why they’re considered unfair.

Recommendation by

Poker sites should have tighter rules and keep a closer eye on things. This way, they can stop RTA tools from being used during games. I mean, who doesn't want a fair game of cards, am I right? :)

RTA has become a hot topic because it feels like cheating to many people.

RTA software regarded as cheating by poker players

RTA poker software has stirred a lot of debate. This tool uses computing power to solve complex math problems during games. It’s almost like giving some players an unfair advantage.

Recommendation by

Players should focus on getting better by practicing and studying. Don't rely on software for an advantage. They say practice makes perfect, so give it a try! :)

Many in the poker community see this as cheating, plain and simple.

PokerStars bans RTA due to its bad impact on game fairness.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER SWEATING PROFUSELY WHILE STARING AT A COMPUTER SCREEN WITH A POP-UP MESSAGE SAYING "RTA DETECTED!", CAPTIONED "WHEN YOU REALIZE YOUR OPPONENT IS PLAYING WITH RTA SOFTWARE"

Over 13 accounts banned from GGPoker tell us how big the issue is; they even refunded over $1 million to victims of RTA cheating! Players feel betrayed when others use these tools... it just ruins the fun and fairness for everyone involved in cash games or tournaments.

RTA lets poker players use computers, making games inequitable

Players use powerful computers to solve complex math problems during games, making the competition unfair... Curious? Keep reading!

Poker AI provides players an advantage

We use RTA (Real-Time Assistance) software to solve poker problems fast. Tools like CheckMath and GPT4O help us find the best moves in just 1-6 seconds. This gives players an unfair advantage.

A poker player sitting at a table with a laptop, wearing a superhero cape, with the caption "When you have RTA, but still pretend it's all skill!" to add humor to the concept of using advanced tools in poker.

RTA collects data from our poker hands and runs simulations. It quickly calculates Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies that normally take years to master. This makes decision-making almost instant, which can feel like cheating to many of us who love fair play.

Recommendation by

Try other ways to get better at poker, like reading strategy guides or joining training sessions. This can make your game better in a fair way. Turns out being a poker pro is more about skill than just luck. Who would've thought? :)

Using RTA tools gives poker players a significant advantage

Computing power helps players use data from poker hands. The RTA tools can gather information automatically or manually. Automatic RTA tools collect data and make decisions without our input.

A SIMPLE DRAWING SHOWING A PLAYER SITTING AT A COMPUTER WITH A CONFUSED EXPRESSION, A THOUGHT BUBBLE ABOVE THEIR HEAD SHOWING A BANNED SIGN OVER RTA TOOLS, ADDING HUMOR BY DEPICTING THE PLAYER WONDERING HOW TO PLAY FAIRLY WITHOUT THE TOOLS

Manual Input RTA Tools need us to type in hand details.

These tools analyze vast amounts of past games. They study patterns and probabilities, helping players decide the best move. This makes the game unfair for others, as it gives a huge advantage to those using these tools.

Recommendation by

Join in on chats and forums to find out how to play poker the right way. Get better at poker without cheating. It's cool to learn how to play poker the honest way, huh? :)

Poker sites like PokerStars ban this practice because it hurts fair play and trust in the game.

German Fedor Kruse caught using RTA software in games

Fedor Kruse got caught using RTA software during games, which led to a lot of trouble for him...

Fedor Kruse, a German poker player, got accused of using RTA in 2020. His roommates discovered his setup. They saw two computers with real-time assistance software open while he played online.

A HUMOROUS SKETCH OF A POKER PLAYER SITTING AT A DESK WITH MULTIPLE COMPUTER SCREENS, ONE OF WHICH HAS A LARGE, RED "NO CHEATING" SIGN FLASHING, WHILE THE PLAYER LOOKS NERVOUSLY OVER HIS SHOULDER

Poker sites like PokerStars take cheating seriously. GGPoker banned him and took $250,000 from his account. They use tools and monitors to detect these cheats. This ensures fair play for all poker players on their network.

Recommendation by

Get to know the online poker platform's rules and regs, so you don't accidentally break 'em. Nobody wants you to get kicked out for something dumb, right? Fair play is super important!

Kruse banned from PokerStars after using real-time assistance software

Kruse got banned from PokerStars. He went from playing low-stakes games to high-stakes, thanks to RTA poker software. It didn't end well for him. His wins were stripped, and he had to return money.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER SWEATING WITH THE CAPTION "WHEN YOU REALIZE THE SOFTWARE DIDN'T HELP YOUR REPUTATION"

The scandal hurt his reputation too. Other players no longer trust him. This can happen if you use RTA tools in online poker rooms like PokerStars or Full Tilt Poker. No one wants cheaters around!

Recommendation by

Being honest is super important for having a good reputation in online communities. It's the key to success in the long run. :)

More players caught using RTA harm the game

More players have been caught using RTA, hurting the game and fellow players... Want to know more? Keep reading!

GGPoker bans 13 accounts for RTA fraud

Over 13 accounts got banned from GGPoker for using RTA tools. These bans help show that poker sites take cheating seriously. PokerStars and GGPoker are strict about this to keep games fair.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER TABLE WITH PLAYERS GLANCING SUSPICIOUSLY AT ONE PLAYER WHO HAS A LAPTOP WITH "RTA SOFTWARE" ON THE SCREEN, CAPTIONED "WHEN YOU'RE WINNING TOO MUCH AND THE TABLE GETS SUSPICIOUS"

We see many stories of players caught with RTA software. One case was Fedor Kruse, a German player who used RTAs to win big prizes. This made other players angry and hurt the trust in online poker games.

Recommendation by

Keep up with the rules and regs on online poker sites. It keeps things fair and trustworthy for everyone. No one wants a poker face that's really a frown, right? :)

RTA tools undermine fair poker play

RTA tools give some players a huge advantage. They use computing power to solve poker hands and provide the best moves in real-time. This disrupts fair play, making it hard for others to compete without similar tools.

A poker table scene where one player is surrounded by stacks of computer servers while others look bewildered

Players using RTA can win big—more than $1 million was refunded to victims of RTA cheating. This damages trust in the game and causes honest players to lose money unfairly. It's not just about winning; it's also about keeping poker fun and fair for everyone.

Recommendation by

Hey players, keep an eye out for any weird stuff happening in the game! Report it to us, so we can keep the game fair and safe for everyone. Plus, it's kinda fun to be a detective, right?

Detection of RTA in Poker

Poker sites use many tools and methods to find players who use RTA...

Poker sites use many methods to catch RTA poker cheating. They employ AI systems and human oversight. The software tracks unusual betting patterns, looking for actions that don't match normal player behavior.

A SIMPLE DRAWING OF A DETECTIVE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS EXAMINING A COMPUTER SCREEN, WITH A HUMOROUS TOUCH SHOWING THE DETECTIVE WEARING A POKER VISOR AND CARDS SCATTERED AROUND

Major poker sites also do manual reviews. Real people check the data from suspicious games or players. This helps a lot since machines can miss subtle signs that humans catch easily.

Recommendation by

Players should report any weird stuff they see in the game. This helps keep the game fair for everyone. Nobody wants cheaters, right? :)

These methods have improved, but catching all cheaters remains hard work!

AI makes identifying RTA in poker harder

Detecting RTA in poker is tough. Poker sites have methods to catch it but face big challenges. Advanced AI makes it hard to spot RTA software. Players use tools that mimic human play, making detection tricky.

A HUMOROUS SKETCH OF A DETECTIVE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS, WEARING A SHERLOCK HOLMES HAT, TRYING TO SPOT A ROBOT DISGUISED AS A HUMAN POKER PLAYER AT A TABLE

PokerStars and other sites must keep up with fast changes in tech. Legal hurdles add another layer of difficulty if they need to prove someone used RTA in court.

Recommendation by

Poker sites should keep researching and developing stuff to make their detection skills better.

This complex mix makes it a real problem for the poker world.

Is Ghosting a Form of RTA?

Ghosting in poker means getting advice from someone else while playing; some say it's a type of RTA...

Ghosting in poker has been prohibited by major sites to ensure fairness

Ghosting in poker means getting real-time advice from another person while playing. It’s unfair because someone not involved in the game helps make decisions. This help can come through chat, calls, or even a computer program.

A poker player sitting at a table with a phone hidden under the table, looking nervously around, with the caption "When your 'intuition' needs a second opinion."

Major poker sites like PokerStars ban ghosting as it gives an edge that other players don’t have. Using ghosting to cheat undermines the integrity of the game. Poker platforms check for ghosting by analyzing how players behave and using special software to catch any suspicious activity.

Recommendation by

Get to know the poker platform's rules and regs. It'll help you steer clear of accidental no-nos and penalties. You don't wanna be that person at the table, do you? :)

If caught, players face serious penalties like losing their accounts or their money being taken away.

Ghosting in poker sparks discussion over RTA

Ghosting in poker is a hot topic. It involves getting real-time advice from someone else while you play. Some argue that ghosting should count as Real-Time Assistance (RTA). They see it as unfair help, just like using software.

Recommendation by

Players should work on getting better by themselves, so the game stays fair. No one wants to be the person who spoils the fun for everyone, right?

Others think it's different. They say ghosting isn't the same as using complex RTA apps or computer programs.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER AT A TABLE WITH A TRANSLUCENT GHOST FIGURE WHISPERING IN THEIR EAR, CAPTIONED "WHEN YOUR 'GUT FEELING' IS ACTUALLY YOUR FRIEND ON THE PHONE"

But let’s be honest... both give players an edge they shouldn't have.

This debate keeps popping up in the poker community and causes lots of arguments on forums and at tables alike!

RTA's unpredictable future could impact poker

The future of RTA in poker is cloudy and might change the game forever... Read more to find out how.

RTA could damage online poker

Widespread RTA use could ruin online poker. Players using RTA tools would have an unfair edge. These tools can solve complex hands quickly, leaving others at a big disadvantage.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER SWEATING PROFUSELY WHILE STARING AT A COMPUTER SCREEN, WITH CARDS AND NUMBERS FLYING AROUND HIS HEAD, CAPTIONED "WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU'RE PLAYING AGAINST A COMPUTER GENIUS"

This imbalance might drive away players who enjoy fair competition. Poker sites like PokerStars ban these tools to keep the game fun and fair. If RTA becomes common, trust in online poker could collapse, and the community might shrink fast.

Recommendation by

Poker sites should get better at spotting and stopping RTA tools. I mean, who wants to play against a robot, right? That's not fair at all!

Poker sites tighten restrictions on RTA

Poker sites work hard to stop RTA use. GGPoker, for example, enforces strict bans on RTA, even stopping the use of static tools. They monitor games closely and look for odd patterns in play.

We can help by reporting suspected RTA users. If we see something weird or unfair online, it's best to tell the poker site right away... Fair play matters!

Using RTA in poker can lead to a ban

Using Real-Time Assistance (RTA) in poker can get you banned because it's considered cheating against the site's rules. Want to know more about how this affects your game? Keep reading!

RTA seen as unfair play in poker

RTA is almost universally viewed as cheating in the poker community. PokerStars bans RTA because it harms fair play and game dynamics. Using RTA gives an unfair edge by computing mathematical solutions fast.

A MEME SHOWING A POKER PLAYER SWEATING PROFUSELY WHILE STARING AT A COMPUTER SCREEN, WITH THE CAPTION "WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU HAVE TO RELY ON YOUR OWN SKILLS INSTEAD OF RTA"

Players who use RTA break the rules of many poker sites, including PokerStars. Those caught face harsh consequences like account bans and loss of winnings. It's vital for us to adhere to these rules to keep poker fair and fun for everyone.

Recommendation by

Get to know the rules of your poker site. This way, you won't accidentally break them and have a fair game. Nobody wants to be the person who gets kicked out for not knowing the difference between a full house and a hotel!

GGPoker bans 13 accounts for using real-time assistance

Poker sites have strict rules against RTA (Real-Time Assistance). They want fair play and to keep the game fun. Players who use RTA software, which helps them make better decisions, break these rules.

Recommendation by

Make sure you know the rules of the poker site you're using. That way, you won't accidentally break any rules. No one wants to get in trouble, right? :)

GGPoker banned over 13 accounts for using RTA. They refunded $1 million to victims. This shows how serious they are about stopping cheating.

A SIMPLE DRAWING SHOWING A POKER TABLE WITH A "NO BOTS ALLOWED" SIGN, ADDING HUMOR BY INCLUDING A ROBOT WEARING A TRENCH COAT AND SUNGLASSES TRYING TO BLEND IN WITH HUMAN PLAYERS

We all need to report any known use of poker bots or unfair software to keep the game clean.

Next up... here are tips for avoiding and reporting RTA in poker!

Report RTA and play fair

Report it if you suspect someone is using RTA software while playing poker, and always play fair.

Detect and report RTA to maintain poker fairness

We should stay sharp and watch out for strange patterns in gameplay. RTA users can feel like robots—super quick with decisions or making perfect plays all the time. If someone’s actions seem too good to be true, they probably are.

A poker player sitting at a table with a confused expression, looking at a robot wearing sunglasses and holding cards, with the caption "When your opponent's poker face is literally made of metal."

Keep a keen eye on data clues and unusual hand histories.

Reporting RTA use is key for fair play in poker. Poker sites need our help to catch these cheaters. Use built-in reporting tools in poker clients if we suspect an opponent of using RTA software.

Recommendation by

Get to know the reporting tools on your poker site. That way, you can quickly report anything that seems fishy.

This helps poker sites protect honest players and preserve the game’s integrity.

Fair play keeps poker genuine and enjoyable

Fair play in poker keeps the game fun and fair. It ensures everyone has an equal chance to win based on skill, not cheat methods like RTA (real-time assistance). PokerStars and GGPoker ban RTA users to protect game integrity.

A poker table scene where one player is sneakily using a laptop under the table while others look on in disbelief

This keeps the competition honest for all players.

Without fair play, trust in online poker would vanish. Players would stop believing they can win by their own skills. If someone uses unfair tools like RTA software, it disrupts this balance.

Recommendation by

Get better at the game by practicing and improving your skills. This will make the game more fun and help you win more often. Who doesn't want a little success, right? :)

Good sportsmanship strengthens our community and makes every hand of Hold'em worth playing!

RTA poker software recommends when to hold or fold

RTA (Real-Time Assistance) poker software helps players make decisions during a game by providing advice on when to fold or hold'em. It's like having a smart friend whispering in your ear.

PokerStars prohibits RTA for unfair advantage

PokerStars bans RTA because it gives an unfair advantage, making the game less fun and fair for everyone else playing online.

How poker sites identify RTA use

Poker sites use various methods for RTA detection, including monitoring unusual patterns of play and checking client-server interactions over the internet.

RTA rules differ among poker sites

Yes, each site has its own set of rta rules to ensure fair play; breaking them can lead to being debited from your account or even getting banned altogether.

What to consider before subscribing to the best poker RTA tool

Before you subscribe, remember that using these tools might violate terms of service on many platforms—so always read the fine print!

Community Comments

Let us know what you thinkNEW

This article was written, checked and verified by multiple authors to ensure maximum accuracy and up to date data. We strive for providing the best and most helpful resources about Poker Tools available.

  • Profile Picture of author BetterChecked Editorial Staff
    BetterChecked Editorial StaffPublisher and authors with years of experience.

Have suggestions or want to become an author for our poker tools magazine as well?

Let us know what you thinkNEW