Massive Bot Farm Exposed

According to Zamani, the accounts shown in the footage were all sharing hole-card information in real time, effectively functioning as a coordinated unit rather than independent players. The video allegedly captures roughly 25 monitors running tournament tables simultaneously, with software setups consistent with large-scale automated or semi-automated operations. Observers quickly noted Chinese characters visible on the poker clients, suggesting the operation may be based in China, a detail later echoed by AI-based analysis circulating on social media.

While Ignition and Bovada have faced repeated accusations of bot activity over the years, this incident marks one of the first times a large-scale bot farm has been visually documented in such a direct way. Previous reports largely relied on hand history analysis, statistical anomalies, and player testimony. This time, the footage provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how industrial-scale cheating may actually function in practice.

Zamani stated that the group behind the operation had more than 100 accounts registered in tournaments simultaneously, all allegedly colluding with one another. He also claimed that this was not the full extent of the operation and that similar practices had been ongoing for years without meaningful intervention. In his post, Zamani expressed frustration not only with the existence of the bot farm, but with what he described as long-term inaction from the site operators.

Although this remains a single-source allegation, Zamani is widely regarded as a credible whistleblower within the poker community. In 2022, he was instrumental in exposing a series of alleged unethical practices involving Bryn Kenney, the all-time live tournament money leader. That controversy included accusations of collusion, real-time assistance, and ghosting, with Zamani openly acknowledging his own involvement as part of Kenney’s former staking operation. His willingness to implicate himself at the time significantly bolstered his credibility among players and industry observers.

The reaction from the poker community following Zamani’s latest post was swift and intense. Numerous players responded by claiming that bot activity on Ignition and Bovada has been widespread for years, particularly at mid and high stakes. Many echoed the belief that automated or semi-automated opponents pose a far greater threat to online poker’s future than real-time assistance tools used by individual players.

If the allegations are accurate, the implications are severe. Colluding bot networks undermine every core principle of fair play, distorting tournament outcomes, siphoning value from legitimate players, and eroding trust in the ecosystem. Unlike isolated cheating cases, bot farms scale infinitely, allowing operators to extract profit continuously while remaining largely invisible to casual players.

This incident also reframes the broader conversation around online poker’s so-called existential crisis. While much attention has been placed on real-time assistance software and solver-based decision making, the far greater danger may lie in players unknowingly competing against opponents who are not human at all. The long-term viability of online poker depends not just on game design and liquidity, but on meaningful enforcement, transparency, and proactive security measures.

At the time of writing, neither Ignition nor Bovada has issued a public response to the footage. DonkHunter will continue monitoring the situation and report on any official statements, investigations, or policy changes that follow.

Play Safely With DonkHunter

DonkHunter works with a wide range of trusted poker platforms and continually evaluates room integrity, player safety, and long-term sustainability. Signing up through DonkHunter helps players stay informed about where to play, which platforms prioritize game security, and how to avoid environments where unfair practices may thrive.