Absolute Poker Faces Cheating Allegations

For an online poker room, about the worst thing that can happen is to come under allegations of cheating and security breaches. On second thought, there is something that’s worse - if those allegations are proven to be true. Sadly, that’s what happened recently at Absolute Poker.

THE OWNER SPEAKS

Joe Norton owns Tokwiro Enterprises, who in turn hold 100% interest in Absolute Poker. On Sunday, he said the following in a press release:

“The integrity of our poker system was compromised by a high-ranking trusted consultant employed by AP whose position gave him extraordinary access to certain security systems. Like you, I have not been happy that during the initial stage of our investigation, AP has not been more forthcoming in providing a timely or comprehensive explanation on this matter, giving rise to anger, suspicion, and concern on the part of our valued customers. I hope that our customers can appreciate that this remains an incredibly complex and sensitive issue, and I want to give you my strongest possible assurance that we will be as forthcoming as possible on how this breach occurred and what we are doing to remedy the situation.”

POTRIPPER AND SCOTT TOM

This entire fiasco started around a month ago. Complaints started rolling in about a possible “superuser” account being used to peek at all the hole cards of the players at a table during a high stakes poker tournament.

The whole thing was well documented on the 2+2 forums. One player got suspicious when an opposing player (going by the handle “Potripper”) enjoyed an incredible run of luck (including going 20 minutes without ever folding pre-flop). He requested data on the hand history from Absolute Poker and received not only that, but also the hole cards for each player and IP addresses of both players and observers.

Once the suspicious player looked closer, he noticed that Potripper folded the first two hands of the tournament. Then observer # 363 arrived at the table, and Potripper didn’t fold again pre-flop for 20 minutes.

When the IP address of observer #363 was traced, it was revealed to be Scott Tom, who has since been identified as a former member of Team Absolute Poker.

THE DRAMA CONTINUES

Absolute Poker claimed after an investigation that “it is impossible for any person, device, program, script or other means to see hole cards.”

But it seems that explanation wasn’t good enough for their owner. Eight days later, Norton called the matter a “horrendous and inexcusable offense.”

At the moment, both the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and a third-party auditor, Gaming Associates, are conducting their own investigations. The results of these audits will be made available to the public.

And if you’re wary about playing again at Absolute Poker, why not switch over to a reputable casino like Bodog?

Here’s some more gambling goodness to feast your eyes upon:

Richard Lee Fined $2.2 Million Dollars

Denmark Rules Poker a Game of Skill

Absolute Poker Faces Cheating Allegations