The World Series of Poker has affirmed that the use of real-time assistance (RTA) or game-theory optimization (GTO) software will not be permitted at the WSOP, which kicked off its 2023 run today at the Horseshoe and Bally's casinos in Las Vegas.
"If caught using RTA/GTO software during a hand, players will be subject to penalty up to and including DQ (disqualification) / trespass," the WSOP reiterated in a live statement offered to PokerNews. "We reserve the right to further penalize a player for using RTA/GTO in any other situation in our sole and absolute discretion."
The ban on RTA/GTO software use does not extend to a ban on smart-device use at the tables, as the WSOP actively promotes players participating online at WSOP.com even while seated at live tables, where in-use laptops, tablets, and smartphones are a common site. Players may continue to use their device to play wsop.com or use the Caesars Sportsbook app while in/out of a hand," the WSOP added.
The use of such software aids, including what are commonly referred to as "solvers," at live-poker tables has increasingly become a source of controversy. Just a week ago, an argument over such software used by a player at Los Angeles's Bell Gardens casino, Andrew Esposito, led to the floor being called to defuse the situation.
