Relevant

Hand history exchanging, and data mining software is finally coming under the scrutiny of Full Tilt security staff with reports of players' accounts being frozen during investigations.

Data mining software like Poker Tracker would conceivably be the main target here because not only does it mine player data for the user, it also allows for open trading, buying/selling of those hand histories. When such exchanges of hand histories take place, a player with that information could conceivably be using hundreds of thousands of hands and profiles of his opponents' even though he has never played against them before.

That has always been the position of Poker Stars, Party Poker and more recently Full Tilt, but this is the first news of Full Tilt actually caring about it. In fact, up until late last year ago Full Tilt actually sponsored an affiliate program with another data miner program called Poker-Edge.

Here is a copy of an email sent out to player at Full Tilt who was apparently using the Poker Tracker for hand history exchanging:

Please be advised that Full Tilt Security has temporarily suspended your Full Tilt Poker account, pending a full review.

Automated systems have discovered indicators of possible account misuse, which violates the Full Tilt Poker Site Terms and End User License Agreement.

Specifically, your account is under investigation for the use of prohibited software. Please see the information below regarding our policies on prohibited programs:

http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/prohibited_programs

More information on prohibited programs can be found in the Full Tilt Poker Site Terms and EULA:

http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/site-terms
http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/end_user_license_agreement

To be clear, players on Full Tilt Poker must make their own decisions, without advice or support from software programs or algorithms. Full Tilt Poker exercises a zero-tolerance policy on the use these prohibited programs. Using such software is grounds for immediate closure of the account and forfeiture of account funds. (100% of confiscated funds are distributed back to the victims of the cheating).

1. The following types of programs are not acceptable under any circumstances:

* Automated poker-playing programs capable of participating in online poker games
* Shared hand history databases, including subscription services, and the exchange of personal databases

2. The following types of programs are not permitted during play:

* Programs that make recommendations on what to do in the current hand (e.g. fold, call, raise)
* Programs that provide assistance in making poker decisions and confer an unfair advantage over opponents

3. The following types of programs may not be allowed during play, depending on their specific use:

* Subscription services that provide extra information about opponents, such as tournament histories and statistics
* Programs that could be used for collusion between players
* Programs that provide or assist in table selection
* Poker calculators that compute poker probabilities or hand values
* Other programs that confer an unfair advantage to the user

4. Notwithstanding the above, the following types of programs are currently permitted:

* Database programs for the analysis of personal hand histories (i.e. hands in which the player is dealt cards)
* Programs that display statistical information taken from the player's personal hand histories
* Programs that assist in learning the skills of poker, provided that they are not used during play

Full Tilt Poker is committed to maintaining the fairest poker games available anywhere. We do not permit or condone any conduct that could diminish the integrity of our games. Misuse of such programs can result in a permanent loss of playing privileges, and possible forfeiture of account funds, depending on the severity of the offense.

No action is required by you at this time. However, if you know of any specific reason why these indicators may have been reached in error, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You will be informed of the results of the review when it is complete. We understand your desire to have this matter resolved quickly, but please understand that investigations require extensive data collection, analysis, and the cooperation of various other parties, all of which affect the amount of time required.

Thank you for your patience while this required review is conducted.

Full Tilt Poker Security and Fraud 

-------------------------------------------------------

It also seems a lot of Full Tilt player's who use such software were in the Iron Man competition and hence have their points at least stalled while investigations take place. Full Tilt has long been a hands off security issue, almost turning their back - even on software that they agree is prohibited.

This all seems to be changing now, and players should really take a close look at what software they are using, and what is at stake in their account.