Poker has always had its fair share of bad actors. From online scandals to live tournament cheats, the game has seen it all. Yet, despite years of evidence and repeated offenses, many of these players are allowed back at the tables. That needs to change. A lifetime ban should be the standard punishment for anyone caught cheating, no exceptions.
Online Poker’s Troubled History With Cheaters
Online poker has been plagued with dishonest players since the early days. Multi-accounting, bots, collusion, and real-time assistance (RTA) software have all been used to gain an unfair advantage. And while some offenders have been caught, the punishment rarely fits the crime.
One of the earliest and most infamous cases was Josh Fields, better known as “JJProdigy.” In 2006, Fields won a $140,000 tournament on PartyPoker—after busting out under another account. His multi-accounting scandal sent shockwaves through the online poker community. Worse yet, it later emerged that he was only 16 years old at the time.
Even some of the biggest names in poker haven’t been immune to scandal. Justin Bonomo, now one of the most successful live poker players in history, was caught using multiple accounts in online tournaments. He admitted to the offense and was temporarily banned, but his career continued.
Then there’s the Ultimate Bet/Absolute Poker superuser scandal, where insiders had access to hole card data, allowing them to see their opponents’ hands in real time. Players lost an estimated $50 million before refunds were issued. The damage to trust in online poker was immeasurable.
And let’s not forget recent cases like Fedor Kruse, who was found to be using RTA software to gain an edge in high-stakes games. Or Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler, two high-profile pros who faced bans amid allegations of cheating. The methods may have evolved, but the problem remains the same.
Live Poker Has Its Own Share of Scandals
Live poker isn’t any cleaner. While online cheats rely on technology, live game cheaters use everything from chip counterfeiting to card relaying.
Ali Tekintagmac, for example, had fake bloggers feeding him hole card information at a major event. Christian Lusardi famously introduced counterfeit chips into a Borgata tournament. And Mike Postle’s alleged cheating scandal, where he appeared to have suspiciously accurate reads during streamed cash games, is still a hot topic of debate.
The list of incidents goes on, and that’s just the ones we know about. In many cases, suspicions arise, but without definitive proof, these players continue their careers as if nothing happened.
Current Punishments Aren’t Enough
While poker sites and tournament organizers have stepped up their efforts to catch cheaters, the consequences remain weak.
- Most online poker sites only issue temporary bans, meaning a player caught cheating today could be back on a different platform tomorrow.
- Even when players are permanently banned, there’s nothing stopping them from creating new accounts under different names.
- Live tournament bans are rare and often apply only to specific events or venues, allowing players to compete elsewhere.
The system makes it easy for cheaters to return under new identities or play at sites that don’t share ban lists. Some even find ways to re-enter the very sites that banned them by using fake accounts or backdoor deals.
The Case for Permanent Bans
A lifetime ban should be the default punishment for any form of cheating in poker. The argument is simple: if a player is willing to cheat once, they’re willing to do it again.
Poker isn’t just a game—it’s a livelihood for many. When someone cheats, they aren’t just bending the rules. They’re stealing from their opponents, undermining the integrity of the game, and damaging the industry’s credibility.
Casinos and online poker platforms have the power to enforce harsher penalties. They could introduce:
| Proposed Measure | Effect |
|---|---|
| Industry-wide ban lists | Cheaters are permanently barred from all major sites and tournaments. |
| Identity verification improvements | Prevents banned players from re-entering under new accounts. |
| Public disclosures | Naming cheaters would deter future offenses and help sites coordinate bans. |
| Criminal prosecution for extreme cases | Major fraud cases, such as chip counterfeiting, should be met with legal action. |
Time to Clean Up the Game
Enough is enough. Poker has tolerated cheaters for too long, allowing them to cash in, apologize, and return to action. It’s time for a zero-tolerance policy.
Ban them. Permanently. Let them know there’s no second chance. Because if the industry doesn’t take a stand, the integrity of the game will continue to erode. And for those who love poker, that’s simply unacceptable.
