PokerStars: New Restrictions on Chinese Players

After a series of collusion scandals traced to China-based players [3], PokerStars [4] introduced restrictions on the number of Chinese players allowed at the same time at their DoN SNG and, more recently, cash game tables.

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PokerStars first discovered the ring of China-based players in spring 2010, when players mainly from Hangzhou were caught cheating at the DoN SNG tables. The room closed 38 accounts and compensated the affected players, paying around $2.1 million in all. In August, Stars decided to prevent players from “certain countries” from playing at the same DoN tables together.

A similar regulation has now been introduced to cash game tables as well. China-based players received a message from PokerStars Support that reads as follows:

“PokerStars has introduced a new security feature which prevents players from certain countries playing at the same ring game table. This restriction means that only one player from each of these countries is able to play at the same ring game table.

“You are able to play at any ring game table you wish, but once you are seated no other player from your country will be able to join the table. Similarly, if another player from your country is seated, you will be unable to join that table until they leave.

“We regret the inconvenience that this has caused you, but this policy has been implemented to enhance the integrity of the games.”

Arguably, PokerStars’ move is understandable once taking the interest of other players into consideration.