The WSOP has released a statement following the recent allegations of real-time assistance use against reigning Michigan Online Player of the Year Kevin 'GR4ND_THEFT' Ruscitti.
The statement, posted on the WSOP.com X account on Friday night, calls integrity a "critical issue to both online poker players and operators" and reiterates the site's stance that "only a human be behind every decision" and that "only one player is entitled to act."
While WSOP Online continues to not disclose specifics of its security protocols, it did confirm some of the security measures used on the site, including software that "identifies scripts, RTAs, and similar programs while playing WSOP Online." The site also tracks changes in physical location and devices while playing, along with cross-referencing available RTA tools for matching hands on the platform.
The WSOP also urged players not to rush to judgment in this, or any, specific case where allegations are made against players.
"All patrons are afforded rights to fair treatment under the privileged gaming licenses of Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Players remain an invaluable resource in identifying suspicious activity and are always encouraged to contact customer support at support@wsop.com."
Chris Battenfield was accused of using RTA a year ago but was exonerated following an investigation. Battenfield had been the victim of 'false positive' results using GTO Wizard's Fair Play Check.
Ruscitti had his account on WSOP.com suspended days after winning his first bracelet in Event #15 of the domestic WSOP Online series, the $500 NL Hold'em PKO. The seven-time ring winner posted in the Team Michigan Poker Facebook group where he denied using GTO Wizard or any other form of RTA.
You can read the statement from WSOP in full below.
Players want to know about confiscated funds
The statement from WSOP brought about more questions from players.
Double ring winner Adam Hendrix wanted to know where player funds would go if an account was found to have used RTA. He said the, "incentive for catching cheaters should not be to line your pockets by taking the $$$ from the prizepool."
He went on to say that instead the funds should be distributed to the players affected by the account in question and pointed out that "every other site is pretty clear on this and sends refunds when a player is banned. Even unregulated sites like ACR do this."
Hendrix also claimed that more clarity around who is a part of the security team for WSOP.com would help the site, "especially in the higher stakes."
The same question was asked by Hayley Hanna.
