Report: PokerStars To Ban Seating Scripts

PokerStars is preparing to ban the use of automated seating scripts soon, drastically changing how the game is played on its platform.

Russian third-party software developer Igor LikeAA reached out to Russian poker outlet Pokeroff with an email PokerStars sent him detailing new rules for third-party software.

According to this email, on March 1st the poker room will ban any tool that automatically selects and enters a game based on information scanned off of an opponent’s history, meaning, automated table scanning and seating scripts.

When reached for comment, PokerStars confirmed the ban but weren’t ready to officially announce the date it would take effect. They told the Russian outlet:

“At the moment we are working on ways to eliminate Seat scripts. We are looking for the best scenario in order not to affect other programs, and we will reveal detailed information later. While the old rules are in effect, follow our updates.”

*Translated from Russian.

PokerStars may take Drastic Measures

Seating scripts have been a thorn in PokerStars side for years as many figures in the poker community have expressed feelings ranging from reluctant acceptance to outright hatred for the software.

Poker room operators have clarified that a rule against seating scripts is virtually impossible to enforce without drastic measures such as anonymous tables and random seating. PokerStars has only slowed down its effects on the ecosystem without being able to fully remove it.

Back in 2014 they significantly reduced the number of times a player can reserve a seat without playing. This was in response to seating scripts automatically locking out tables their users had no intention to play in.

Two years ago they tested a new feature for its Spaniard client called “Seat Me”, which randomly seats the player on their desired game and stakes, eliminating the ability to table select and to observe cash games.

Seat Me’s original announcement read:

“If the test is conclusive, it will be a major milestone against seating scripts and the groups of players that prevent these games being played on an even footing.”

They’ve since introduced Seat Me to other European clients though they have yet to announce it for the global market.

Now we want to hear from you. What’s your opinion on seating scripts? Are these measures worth it? Let us know in the comments!