In response to some well publicized issues, PokerStarsrecently proposed changes to its terms of service for third-party software. These proposed changes were announced by PokerStars Steve on TwoPlusTwo and include prohibiting many programs that reduce the requirements of a person playing, services that facilitate hole card sharing, and tools that provide real-time advice based on the current table action that go beyond static data reporting.

It is believed these changes are in response to the poker community’s outrage about the Russian PLO bot ring, which is believed to have won, with the aid of artificial intelligence, at least $1.4 million. While PokerStars has closed many of these accounts as part of its ongoing investigation, many players felt more action was required.

The bot ring comes on the heels of a controversial heads-up sit and go aid created by PokerStars player Skier_5. While PokerStars allowed this aid at the time, the proposed changes would likely also make his tool illegal to use.

“PokerStars continually reviews and updates our poker game rules to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the industry and reflect the current state of poker, which constantly evolves,” PokerStars Head of Public Relations Michael Josem told PocketFives. “We have to evolve along with the game. We regularly consult with players in advance of significant changes in order to gain their insights and perspectives.”

Most third-party software that recreational and professional poker players use while playing on PokerStars will still be allowed, including HUDs, auto hotkeys, most in-game poker odds calculators, and charts.

PokerStars also plans to prohibit certain software from running while its client is open. However, these tools can still be used offline as study aids when the client is closed.

Some of the software PokerStars mentions that would not be allowed to be used while the client is open include SessionLord’s Pre-Flop Chart, Holy Grail of Poker, Poker Academy, LeakBuster, FlopZilla, Odds Oracle, PokerStove, and PokerTracker’s LeakTracker.

NoteCaddy, an add-on to Hold’em Manager, would require changes before being permitted for use. This would not only affect users of this software, but also those who purchase third party add-ons to NoteCaddy Premium including NoteCaddy Edge and AJacksonAdvantage.

When the announcement was made on June 11, PokerStars mentioned it would give the community 10 days’ notice to discuss opinions and ideas before finalizing. If everything goes as planned, the proposed changes could go into effect on Sunday, June 21.

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