# Using AI in Online Poker (2025): A Player's Guide to Tools, Rules, and Bots As of August 2025, artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed the online poker landscape, creating both unprecedented opportunities for skill development and serious risks for game integrity. The modern poker player faces a critical decision: embrace AI as a training tool while navigating strict platform rules, or risk falling behind competitors who are already leveraging these powerful technologies. This comprehensive guide examines the current state of AI in online poker, from legitimate training software to prohibited bots, helping you understand where the line is drawn and how to stay on the right side of it.

Feature	Option/Tool	Pros	Cons	Price	Best for
GTO Solver (Desktop)	PioSOLVER Pro	Most powerful analysis, two licenses included	Requires strong computer, steep learning curve	$475	Serious players with technical expertise
GTO Solver (Budget)	GTO+	Affordable entry point, solid functionality	Less comprehensive than premium options	$75	Players new to solver work
Cloud-Based Solver	GTO Wizard	Mobile access, pre-solved scenarios, user-friendly	Monthly subscription, limited customization	$69/month	Players wanting instant access and mobility
Database/HUD	Hold'em Manager 3	Comprehensive stats, all stakes included	Higher cost, complex setup	$159.99	Multi-table players needing detailed analysis
Database/HUD	PokerTracker 4	Reliable tracking, good value	Separate purchase for Hold'em/Omaha	$99.99	Single-format players on a budget
Real-Time Assistance	Any RTA Software	—	Banned on all major sites, account confiscation	—	Never recommended
Automated Play	Poker Bots	—	Permanent bans, fund confiscation, detection risk	—	Never recommended

The data reveals a clear divide between legitimate training tools and prohibited software. While GTO solvers and database programs offer substantial competitive advantages within legal boundaries, any real-time assistance or automated play carries severe consequences that far outweigh potential benefits. ## What is AI's Role in Modern Poker? ### From Academic Projects (Libratus) to Your Desktop The journey from academic research to practical poker tools began with groundbreaking projects at Carnegie Mellon University. In January 2017, Libratus decisively defeated four top professional poker players in a 20-day, 120,000-hand competition of two-player No-Limit Hold'em, winning by a cumulative $1,766,250 in chips (Carnegie Mellon University, 2017) (Needs 2025 verify). Two years later, Pluribus raised the stakes even higher. Developed by Facebook AI and Carnegie Mellon University in July 2019, this AI became the first to beat elite human professionals in six-player No-Limit Hold'em—the most popular poker format. Over 12 days, Pluribus played 10,000 hands against 12 pros and won at a rate of nearly 5 big blinds per 100 hands (bb/100), which is considered a very high win rate (Science, 2019) (Needs 2025 verify). These academic breakthroughs didn't remain in research labs. The principles behind Libratus and Pluribus have been adapted into commercially available software that any serious player can access, fundamentally changing how poker strategy is studied and developed. ### Understanding Game Theory Optimal (GTO) Game Theory Optimal (GTO) represents a mathematically perfect poker strategy that cannot be exploited by opponents, regardless of their playing style. In modern poker AI, GTO serves as the foundation for training tools that help players understand theoretically sound decisions in any given situation, making it an essential concept for anyone serious about improving their game. While pure GTO play isn't always the most profitable approach against weaker opponents, understanding GTO principles provides a solid baseline that prevents major strategic errors and helps players recognize when and how to deviate profitably. **Key Takeaways:** • Academic AI projects like Libratus and Pluribus proved that computers can outplay even elite human professionals • These breakthroughs have been commercialized into accessible training tools for everyday players • GTO strategy forms the mathematical foundation of modern AI poker tools • Understanding GTO principles is now essential for competitive play ## Allowed vs. Banned: The Critical Line Between a Tool and a Cheat ### Permitted Tools: HUDs and Database Trackers Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) and database tracking software occupy the "green zone" of poker tools. These programs analyze your hand history files to provide statistical information about opponents, but they don't make decisions for you. Hold'em Manager 3 costs $159.99 for the all-stakes version (Hold'em Manager, August 2025), while PokerTracker 4 costs $99.99 for Hold'em or Omaha (PokerTracker, August 2025). Both are explicitly permitted on major sites because they only display information that a human could theoretically calculate manually—they just do it faster and more accurately. The key distinction is that HUDs show you data, but you must interpret and act on that information yourself. They're essentially sophisticated calculators that help you make more informed decisions. ### Permitted Use: Post-Game Analysis with Solvers GTO solvers represent the most powerful legitimate training tools available to poker players. These programs calculate mathematically optimal strategies for specific situations, but their use is strictly regulated by timing. PokerStars' Third Party Tools and Services Policy explicitly permits solvers like PioSOLVER for use "only when the PokerStars client is closed" (PokerStars, August 2025). This means you can analyze difficult hands after your session ends, but you cannot consult a solver while actively playing. PioSOLVER 3.0 Pro costs $475 for a one-time purchase (PioSOLVER, August 2025), while cloud-based alternatives like GTO Wizard offer monthly subscriptions at $69 per month or $49 monthly when billed annually (GTO Wizard, August 2025). ### Prohibited Use: Real-Time Assistance (RTA) and Bots The line becomes crystal clear when examining prohibited software. GGPoker's Security & Ecology Policy states unequivocally: "Any decision that is made at the poker table must be made solely by you. Humans must decide what action to take and the exact size of any bet or raise" (GGPoker, August 2025). Real-Time Assistance (RTA) includes any software that provides advice during active play, whether it's suggesting optimal bet sizes, recommending actions, or calculating odds in real-time. Even more serious are full bots—software that plays without human intervention. The enforcement is aggressive and costly. In July 2024 alone, GGPoker banned 168 accounts for RTA use, confiscating $155,078, and banned an additional 2,058 accounts for botting, confiscating $37,288 (GGPoker, July 2024). The financial consequences extend beyond confiscated funds—players lose their entire account balance and are permanently banned from the platform. | Tool Type | Permitted Use | Example Software | |-----------|---------------|------------------| | HUD/Database | Real-time statistical display | Hold'em Manager 3, PokerTracker 4 | | GTO Solver | Post-game analysis only | PioSOLVER, GTO+ | | RTA Software | Never permitted | Any real-time advice tool | | Poker Bot | Never permitted | Any automated playing software | **Key Takeaways:** • HUDs and database trackers are permitted because they only display information • Solvers are powerful training tools but must only be used when not actively playing • Any real-time assistance during play is strictly prohibited and heavily penalized • The financial and account consequences of violations are severe and permanent ## The Best AI-Powered Poker Training Tools in 2025 ### GTO Solvers: PioSOLVER and GTO+ PioSOLVER remains the gold standard for serious poker analysis. The Pro version at $475 (August 2025) includes two licenses and handles the complex calculations needed for most training scenarios. For players just starting with solver work, GTO+ offers a more budget-friendly entry point at $75 for a single license. These desktop applications excel at deep-dive analysis of specific scenarios. You can input exact board textures, betting sequences, and stack sizes to understand the theoretically optimal play. However, they require significant computational resources and a learning curve to use effectively. ### Cloud-Based Solutions: GTO Wizard GTO Wizard has revolutionized solver accessibility by moving the computational heavy lifting to the cloud. At $69 monthly (or $49 monthly when billed annually), it provides instant access to pre-solved scenarios across cash games and tournaments. The platform's strength lies in its user-friendly interface and comprehensive database of common situations. Instead of waiting for your computer to solve a hand, you can instantly access optimal strategies for millions of pre-calculated scenarios. This makes it particularly valuable for players who want to study on mobile devices or don't have powerful computers. ### Database Analysis: Hold'em Manager 3 & PokerTracker 4 While not AI in the traditional sense, modern database software incorporates sophisticated statistical analysis that approaches AI-level insights. Hold'em Manager 3 ($159.99 for all stakes) and PokerTracker 4 ($99.99 for Hold'em or Omaha) both offer advanced filtering and reporting capabilities that can identify leaks in your game and opponent tendencies. These tools become particularly powerful when combined with large databases. Players who have analyzed hundreds of thousands of hands can identify patterns and tendencies that would be impossible to spot manually. ### 2025 Cost Breakdown: What to Budget for Your AI Toolkit A competitive AI toolkit requires significant investment: **Essential Setup (Year 1):** - GTO Solver: PioSOLVER Pro ($475) or GTO+ ($75) - Database Software: Hold'em Manager 3 ($159.99) or PokerTracker 4 ($99.99) - Cloud Solver: GTO Wizard Premium ($588 annually) - **Total: $1,222.99 - $1,628.99** **Annual Recurring Costs:** - GTO Wizard Premium: $588 - Software updates and additional licenses: ~$100-200 - **Annual Total: $688-788** This represents a substantial financial barrier that creates a competitive divide between players who can afford comprehensive AI tools and those who cannot. **Key Takeaways:** • PioSOLVER remains the most powerful desktop solver but requires significant computational resources • GTO Wizard offers cloud-based convenience and mobile accessibility at a premium price • Database software provides essential statistical analysis for identifying patterns and leaks • A competitive AI toolkit costs over $1,200 in the first year with $700+ annual recurring costs ## How to Identify and Report an AI Poker Bot ### Checklist: 5 Telltale Signs of a Bot Identifying bots requires careful observation of playing patterns and behavioral anomalies: 1. **Robotic Session Timing**: Plays for exactly the same duration each session (e.g., always 2 hours and 37 minutes) or starts sessions at precise intervals. 2. **Inhuman Bet Sizing**: Consistently bets amounts to the exact cent (e.g., $47.23) rather than round numbers that humans typically choose. 3. **Instant Complex Decisions**: Makes complicated river decisions in large pots within milliseconds, suggesting pre-calculated responses. 4. **Perfect Statistical Play**: Shows win rates and statistical profiles that are suspiciously close to GTO optimal across large sample sizes. 5. **Absence of Tilt or Emotion**: Never shows frustration after bad beats, never adjusts playing style based on recent results, maintains identical aggression levels regardless of circumstances. ### Analyzing Your Hand History for Suspicious Patterns Modern poker sites provide detailed hand histories that can reveal bot behavior when analyzed systematically. Look for players who: - Never take bathroom breaks or pause for meals during long sessions - Show identical response times across different decision types - Maintain perfectly consistent aggression frequencies across different positions - Never engage in chat or respond to table conversation - Display win rates that seem too consistent (real humans have variance in their results) Data not found for specific statistical thresholds that sites use for bot detection, but patterns that deviate significantly from normal human variance should raise red flags. ### The Right Way to Report a Player to Site Security When you suspect a bot, document your evidence systematically: 1. **Save Hand Histories**: Export all hands played against the suspected player 2. **Screenshot Suspicious Behavior**: Capture timing patterns, bet sizing, or chat interactions 3. **Use Official Channels**: Report through the site's official security email or support system 4. **Provide Specific Details**: Include player name, table details, and specific hands that demonstrate suspicious behavior 5. **Follow Up**: Most sites acknowledge reports and may provide updates on investigations Avoid public accusations on forums or social media, as this can interfere with ongoing investigations and may result in defamation issues. **Key Takeaways:** • Bot identification requires systematic observation of timing, betting patterns, and behavioral consistency • Hand history analysis can reveal statistical anomalies that suggest automated play • Proper reporting through official channels is essential for effective site enforcement • Documentation and specific evidence strengthen reports and improve investigation outcomes ## How Major Poker Sites Are Fighting Back Against AI Cheating ### PokerStars & GGPoker's Security Measures Major poker sites employ sophisticated multi-layered detection systems. PokerStars' Game Integrity team closed 7,128 accounts globally in Q1 2023 for violations related to bots and cheating (PokerStars, 2023) (Needs 2025 verify), while GGPoker provides monthly transparency reports showing their ongoing enforcement efforts. GGPoker's approach is particularly aggressive, with consistent monthly bans: 168 RTA accounts ($155,078 confiscated) and 2,058 bot accounts ($37,288 confiscated) in July 2024 alone (GGPoker, July 2024). These numbers represent just one month of enforcement activity on a single platform. Detection methods include: - Statistical analysis of playing patterns and win rates - Timing analysis to identify non-human response patterns - Hardware fingerprinting to detect automation software - Behavioral analysis comparing play to known human patterns - Cross-referencing multiple accounts for collusion networks ### The Cat-and-Mouse Game of Detection The arms race between bot developers and site security continues to escalate. As detection methods improve, bot software becomes more sophisticated in mimicking human behavior. This includes: - Adding artificial delays and randomization to decision timing - Implementing "imperfect" play to avoid suspiciously optimal statistics - Using advanced machine learning to better simulate human behavioral patterns - Employing human operators to handle chat and social interactions However, sites maintain the advantage through their access to comprehensive player data, advanced analytics, and the ability to continuously update detection algorithms. The financial penalties—complete account confiscation—create strong deterrents for most players. **Key Takeaways:** • Major sites employ sophisticated multi-layered detection systems with strong enforcement records • Monthly ban numbers demonstrate that bot detection is active and ongoing • The detection arms race continues to escalate on both sides • Financial penalties (complete account confiscation) provide strong deterrents ## Verdict: Should You Use AI for Online Poker? The evidence clearly supports using AI tools for poker training, but only within strict ethical and legal boundaries. The data shows that competitive players increasingly require AI-powered training to remain viable at mid-stakes and above, making these tools essential rather than optional. **The Smart Approach:** 1. **Invest in legitimate training tools**: The $1,200+ annual cost is substantial but necessary for serious players 2. **Use solvers for post-game analysis only**: Never consult AI tools during active play 3. **Combine multiple tools**: HUDs for real-time statistics, solvers for deep analysis, databases for pattern recognition 4. **Stay current with site policies**: Rules evolve, and violations carry severe financial penalties **The Risks to Avoi

Using AI in Online Poker: Tools, Rules & Bots (2025)

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