Microgaming to put an end to datamining

Microgaming to put an end to datamining

Thursday, 14 January 2010

One of the largest online poker networks has announced that it will put an end to the practice of datamining on its sites.

The Microgaming Network, which includes popular sites Ladbrokes Poker, Stan James Poker, Unibet and 32 Red, has revealed that with immediate effect, hand histories on observed tables will no longer be stored on players' computers and the practice of downloading and storing hand histories in bulk will be stopped.


Datamining recently hit the headlines after it was claimed that Brian Townsend used it to find a weakness in Isildur1’s game. Brian Hastings then put the information to excellent use, taking $4.2m in a session from the mysterious Swede.


Andrew Clucas, Head of Poker at Microgaming Software Systems, the power behind the Microgaming Poker Network, commented: “Concern has been rising over the long-term effect of third party software upon the poker industry as a whole, and in particular the negative effect it has on the recreational player demographic. The decision to put a stop to the practice of datamining on the Poker Network is part of Microgaming’s overarching network strategy to support operators in attracting and retaining recreational players. It further demonstrates commitment in providing a secure and fair playing environment.


“I would like to emphasize that with this change, as with the change to Weighted Contribution, Microgaming is not seeking to alienate its winning players. There has been a move in the industry towards penalising winners; we believe that is the wrong approach. There will always be winners and losers in poker. What we are trying to achieve is a more level playing field for all the players.”


Microgaming last week revealed changes to the way that it allocated rake.



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