GGPoker has moved to ban Ren Lin from its online poker platform and all WSOP events in the wake of a real-time assistance incident in the GGMillion$ event last week.
The incident, which saw Lin admit to handing out real time advice to 'RealOA' at the final table of the online event on October 14, triggered a lengthy apology from the pro.
"I must state unequivocally that I gained no form of profit from this incident," Lin said in a post on X. "I held no stake in any player's entry, received no payment, and derived no benefit whatsoever. My actions were purely an instinctive reaction in an inappropriate setting—one that contradicted the principles of fair competition I have always strived to uphold."
Indefinitely suspended
Lin found early support from fellow GGPoker Ambassador Daniel Negreanu, but it wasn't enough to save him from the chopping block. GGPoker issued the indefinite suspension in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. The company also permanently banned 'RealOA'.
The statement also confirmed that the company confiscated all remaining funds from the account 'RealOA' and that Lin covered the remaining $96,380 of his prize. A total of $346,903 confiscated by GGPoker will be redistributed per the company's refund policy.
'Pretty strong IMO'
"Pretty strong IMO," Negreanu said in a post on X. "While this was what most would describe as a minor infraction, the consequences were firm and severe. Thorough, and didn't take it lightly."
Other reactions were mixed, but most will miss Lin and his infectious personality at WSOP events. There is no word on when, or how, the pro might return. GGPoker's statement went on with a message to the poker community:
This case demonstrates three principles:
We will prevent and detect violations. Our monitoring system and hand analysis identify suspicious activity.
Consequences are immediate. Any result from the GGPoker investigation will extend across GGPoker, WSOP, and all partner platforms worldwide.
Players are protected. When integrity is compromised, we ensure that financial restitution is made to those affected.
Real-time assistance through private communication channels remains challenging to prevent, but GGPoker’s detection and investigation capabilities will continuously improve. Competitive poker depends on trust and equal conditions. We will not allow anyone to undermine that foundation.
