Tools, Software & Fair Play: Here's What You Need to Know
Poker's evolving, and so are the tools players use. At Paddy Power Poker, we're not against players improving their game: reading books, studying strategy, gaining experience. That's brilliant. But there's a line between learning and cheating, and we take that line seriously. This policy explains what's allowed, what's banned, and why we care so much about keeping our tables fair for everyone.
The Principle Behind Our Policy
Think of it this way: using experience and strategy to get better? Absolutely fine. Using software to decide what to do for you in real-time? That's cheating. Our policy sits right in the middle: we allow tools that enhance learning and efficiency, but we absolutely ban anything that gives you an unfair advantage or removes your decision-making from the game.
We've developed this policy through years of discussions with poker experts and professionals. It's a genuine attempt to balance fair play with reasonable player tools. That said, we have no affiliation with any software developers, and we're not liable if third-party tools break our software or cause crashes. It's your responsibility to ensure any tools you use comply with our rules.
Unsure if a specific tool is allowed? Contact us through our Help Center with details, and we'll let you know.
What's Allowed: Tools You Can Use
Basic info tools that report pot odds, hand strength, or simple game state? Go ahead. These help you learn without playing for you.
Static reference material like basic starting hand charts for unopened pots? That's fine. Simple, straightforward guidance.
In-game statistics based only on your own play history are permitted – but with limits. You can see your stats, but they can't automatically adjust based on opponents or game state, and they can't break down statistics by card values.
Macros and hotkeys for efficiency are okay, as long as you're still making the decision. A hotkey that bets half the pot? Permitted. A hotkey that randomises the bet size? Prohibited. You decide the action and the amount: the tool just executes it.
What's Banned - Full Stop
Bots and auto-decision tools are absolutely prohibited. We don't care how sophisticated they are. If software is making decisions for you or removing your need to think, it's cheating.
Real-time advice tools that read the game state and tell you what to do? Banned. Full stop.
Tools that delay your decisions artificially (whether by fixed or random amounts) are prohibited.
Hole card sharing with other players or services is banned. Datamining hand histories to build opponent databases is prohibited. Mass-sharing of hands, results, or statistics for opponent analysis is not allowed.
Opponent manipulation tools designed to exploit players when you can't choose tables (like Spin & Gos) are banned.
Tournament and table selection tools that filter or automate joining based on opponent stats? Not allowed. Ring game selection tools? Also banned.
AI-powered tools developed to create software that violates our rules are prohibited. Using scrapers to extract table data for calculators or databases is banned. (Note: Twitch streams don't count as hole card sharing.)
GTO solvers, advanced equity calculators, Nash Equilibrium tools, range vs range simulators: anything that provides Game Theory Optimal advice. These are banned while our software is running.
Tools You Can Use, But Not While Playing
Some tools have legitimate uses for studying your game offline, but they cross the line if you use them during play. The rule is simple: if any of our clients, apps, or software are open, these tools are prohibited, even if you don't have tables open or you're just referencing material between decisions.
This includes:
Advanced reference material that goes beyond basic starting hand advice.
Tools designed to easily reference advanced material.
Advanced equity calculators, GTO strategies, range simulators, ICM, and Nash Equilibrium programs - these are study tools, not playing tools. Use them offline to improve, not at the tables.
AI advice tools for specific decisions on tables.
Any GTO solution from any source (website, subscription, server, database, etc.).
We know some tools automatically disable themselves when our software is running. We appreciate that effort to stay compliant. But we don't continuously monitor every tool update, so we reserve the right to review accounts and play of anyone using these tools. If we catch you, we may ask you to close them to continue playing.
How We Catch Rule Breakers
We're not just sitting around hoping people play fair . We actively monitor:
Direct detection: We check for prohibited tools and services running on your device.
Behavioural analysis: We analyse play patterns and tendencies that suggest someone's using prohibited software.
Third-party assistance: We may use external partners to help detect violations, in line with our Privacy Policy.
Algorithmic detection: We use models and software to identify cheating, but any algorithmic findings are reviewed by a real person before we take action.
Client control: We can prevent our client from running on your device or require you to upgrade.
What Happens If You Break These Rules
Here's the good news: if you're using publicly available prohibited software, we try to educate rather than punish immediately.
Here's the bad news: we will deny services and/or withhold funds if you:
- Use particularly malicious tools (like bots)
- Show a pattern of prohibited tool use after being warned
- Try to bypass our detection measures
- Develop or use privately developed software that violates our policies
Don't go there.
This Policy Evolves - Check Back Regularly
Poker changes. Technology changes. Player sentiment changes. We update this policy accordingly and assume no responsibility to notify you of changes. Check back here regularly to stay current on what's allowed and what's not.
Play smart. Play fair. Play Paddy Power Poker.