888poker seizes almost $300,000 from bot accounts in past year
Poker operator ramps up detection capabilities and staff numbers to tackle ongoing threat to game integrity posed by AI
888poker has returned almost $300,000 to players in the past year after clawing back money won by accounts found to be using AI software, or bots.
The operator has confiscated more money from AI-aided accounts than in any other year and is confident it can return a further $300,000 throughout 2022.
In the first five months of 2022, the company has already refunded $80,858 to 1,390 players.
888poker said its ability to return greater sums to impacted customers is as a result of its “increased investment” into its detection capabilities.
This includes improvements to its tech monitoring software, as well as hiring sprees across RG and data science.
888poker has also enlisted the help of professional poker players to work alongside its teams to detect AI bots and the use of real-time assistance (RTA).
Matan Krakow, 888poker group manager, said efforts to clamp down on bots and RTA was “crucial” in ensuring players feel safe and enjoy using the operator’s platform.
He said: “Our continued progress in tackling bots is crucial in ensuring that 888poker continues to provide an enjoyable, safe and level playing field for all of our players.
“This has been driven not only by our increased investment in our detection capabilities but also through the continued support and cooperation of our players, who have an important role to play in helping provide us with vital information about players they think are using AI,” he added.
In this month’s Big Debate, EGR asked whether recent allegations of cheating in high-stakes online poker circles could impact poker operator’s casual player base.