GGPoker Bans 31 Players for Illegal RTA Use

GGPoker Cracks Down on RTA Users

The news was confirmed via an official GGPoker Twitter post, where the platform stated that these players had violated its rules by employing external tools that provided an unfair advantage. The announcement follows earlier warnings from poker pro Fedor Holz, a member of GGPoker’s Poker Integrity Council, who had emphasized that rule-breakers would face severe consequences.

GGPoker defines RTA as any external software, tool, or material that influences decision-making beyond a player's natural abilities. The site strictly prohibits the use of any aids, including software, charts, or digital references, during active play. Breaching these guidelines can lead to permanent bans and fund forfeiture.

In its post, GGPoker noted that it had worked alongside GTO Wizard, a leading poker training tool that employs Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies, to identify users who misused its technology in real-time play. While GTO Wizard itself is a legitimate study tool, utilizing it while playing violates the rules.

The Rise of RTA Software in Online Poker

The use of RTA software has been a growing issue in online poker. Many platforms, including unregulated sites like ACR Poker, have faced scrutiny for high-profile cases involving their players.

One of the most notable incidents involved ACR ambassador Ebony Kenney, who was spotted with an RTA chart open on her screen during a session in the January 2024 Venom tournament. Although Kenney explained that she was only reviewing past hands and not using the tool during active gameplay, poker fans remained skeptical.

Similarly, ACR pro Nacho Barbero was seen with an RTA chart open during an online poker session. Barbero defended himself by stating that the chart was part of a coaching session and was not being used to gain an edge in play. ACR investigated both incidents and found no concrete rule violations, though the optics of these situations continued to fuel the debate on RTA use.

GGPoker’s Ongoing Commitment to Fair Play

As online poker continues to grow, GGPoker has taken significant steps to maintain a level playing field for its users. By leveraging technology and collaborations with poker training tools, the platform remains vigilant in identifying and eliminating unfair play.

This latest round of bans is a clear message to players that GGPoker is serious about upholding the integrity of its games. While training tools like GTO Wizard are valuable for study, their misuse in real-time play will not be tolerated.

As RTA software becomes more sophisticated, poker sites will need to remain proactive in their enforcement efforts. GGPoker’s latest actions reinforce its commitment to fair competition, ensuring that all players have an equal shot at success.