Rumors of poker bots on Merge Gaming Network

Allegations of heads-up poker bots at the Merge Gaming network tables were rampant on 2+2 and PocketFives this week, allegations that were quickly investigated by an unlikely candidate, Hero Poker CEO David Jung. What makes Jung an unlikely candidate to spearhead the investigation is the fact that Hero Poker is a skin on the Merge Gaming Network, but unlike most poker site owners Jung has clearly decided that just brushing aside, or covering up, these rumors is to the detriment of everyone involved.

When Jung learned of the possible poker bots he immediately contacted the Merge Gaming Network, and THEN went on several poker forums, including DonkDown.com, to alert players to the ongoing story and investigation.

Here is what the player who first broke the story on 2+2, KingofAces, had concluded from his investigation:

He accused five Merge accounts of being poker bots, all from the UK, and all winning regulars in the $200NL games on the network: Slawomir, GhettoBlaster, N1xDSD1, coldasice22, and CaviarChamp. Furthermore, the five suspect accounts never chat, never play at the same table, and immediately sit out when they reach a stack of 200BB.

“Never seen them tilting even if they lose 3BI to me in 30 hands; I have never seen them bluff 3 streets with total air, every time they 3-barrel bluff, they are on a missed draw; they never check-raise as a bluff, they always have some equity; and I have never seen them tank.”

KingofAces then went on to list other anomalies and similarities between the five accounts, such as their 3-bet and 4-bet ranges, with perhaps the most damning piece of evidence being: “Their 3betting and 4betting ranges never change. It doesn’t matter if I start 3betting 25%+, they still won’t open up their 4betting range.”

As far as the investigation by Hero Poker CEO David Jung goes, Jung later posted an update on the DonkDown Poker Forum, posting the reply he received from the Merge Gaming Network:

Hi guys, a statement from the Merge Fraud department:

“We are currently reviewing all accounts in question along with those that exhibited similar play patterns. The accounts have since been suspended from play and are subject to a full review of credentials and play history. Should we find evidence that suggests prohibited software was used in conjunction with the poker client, the account will be permanently closed and any remaining funds will be confiscated. Confiscated funds will then be subject to redistribution where other players were adversely affected and will be distributed in due course. Your patience is appreciated.”

Regards,

David

It’s actually quite refreshing to see a poker room CEO/owner who is not only available and hands-on, but willing to investigate claims like these and act on them… Kudos to the Hero Poker CEO David Jung.