HomeWinBuzzer NewsOnline Poker Industry Faces Threat from Russian AI Bots

Online Poker Industry Faces Threat from Russian AI Bots

A group of Russian AI developers has created a network of advanced poker bots that have consistently outperformed human players.

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An emerging force in the world of online poker, a network of advanced bots originating from Siberia, is taking center stage. Created by Bot Farm Corporation (BF Corp), these AI-fueled bots have consistently beaten human opponents across major platforms, raising alarms about the integrity of online gaming.

Formation and Development of AI Poker Bots

A story of these highly advanced bots began with a group of university students in Omsk, Siberia. With backgrounds in mathematics, physics, and economics, they developed a program capable of processing extensive data and executing strategies grounded in game theory. The collective initially focused on training students in poker strategies before turning to AI to optimize earnings from online poker games.

These bots have made their presence felt on various poker websites, often evading detection by imitating human-like behavior, such as varying decision timings and simulating natural user movements.

Information leaked on a Russian poker forum and Telegram chat revealed the extensive scope of the operation, with around 600 individuals managing accounts in nations such as Canada, China, India, Poland, and Sweden. To mask their true locations, they employed virtual private networks or local SIM cards.

Industry Response and Concerns

Infiltration of these bots poses a threat to the online poker industry, which depends on casual players to remain financially stable. As bots continue to dominate the playing field, there’s a chance that amateur players will be discouraged, which could lead to a decline in participation and revenue.

Industry figures, including PokerOrg Player Advisory Board member Joey Ingram, expressed surprise at the disclosure of the operation, while WPT ambassador Tony Dunst referred to the situation as unsettling.

Pursuit of Legitimacy and Business Models

In an effort to legitimize their operations, the founders of BF Corp have proposed a new framework for online poker. The system would have players face off against house bots with comparable skill levels, eliminating rake but creating a controlled environment where the house can modify bot skill levels as necessary. Operating under the name Deeplay, the group has marketed bots to poker sites and clubs to ensure liquidity and offered exclusive anti-bot security services.

By 2012, the Omsk group boasted of creating the most advanced poker-playing software globally, which they used effectively on numerous poker platforms. Known as Neo Poker Lab, the group entered their bot into competitions and sought to launch software aimed at poker training. However, with Neo Poker Lab not achieving success, they returned to BF Corp, initiating a franchise model before eventually releasing their software as a mobile app in 2018.

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:46 pm CET

SourceBloomberg
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about Microsoft and the wider tech industry for over 10 years. With a degree in creative and professional writing, Luke looks for the interesting spin when covering AI, Windows, Xbox, and more.

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