How to Identify and Beat Online Live Poker Cheaters

Live dealer poker can be a seriously thrilling game, offering up plenty of chances to score some big wins right here in South Africa.

However, not everyone plays fair. Some players might try to bend the rules, or worse, cheat. While online casinos in SA are equipped with the latest tech to keep scammers at bay, it’s always good to be aware of what to look out for.

In this guide, we’ll cover some common red flags for spotting cheaters in live dealer poker games and how you can report any suspicious activity to the gambling site.

Signs of Cheating in Live Dealer Poker

• Unusual winning streaks: If a poker player in South Africa seems to be on a hot streak that’s too good to be true, it could be a warning sign. Imagine a player constantly hitting unlikely hands, like winning multiple rounds in a row with a full house when the odds are stacked against them. These “catch calls” happening repeatedly might indicate foul play.
• Consistent winning despite poor play: Even if you’re playing against someone who clearly doesn’t know their way around the poker table, but they keep winning, this could be a sign they’ve found a way to cheat.
• Always taking the same amount of time to make a decision: If a player consistently takes the exact same time to make every single decision, it might suggest they are using external tools or assistance to cheat.
• Partnering with another player to cheat: This is tougher to spot, but if you suspect two players are colluding, it’s definitely against the terms and conditions of any reputable South African casino. This often involves sharing information about their hands.

How to Report Suspected Cheating in Live Dealer Poker

If you suspect that someone is cheating in live dealer poker, it's essential to report him to the proper authorities. There are a few ways to do that.

• Document any suspicious behavior: When you catch a cheater, you should write it down or record the action to send it to the casino site representatives.
• Cooperate with the investigation: When the investigation begins, you need to cooperate in order for the scammer to be punished.
• Contact the relevant gambling authority: If the casino site didn’t take the case seriously, you can always contact the gambling authority to process this.

Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Live Dealer Poker Cheaters

While it's not always possible to prevent cheating in live dealer poker, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from potential cheaters.

• Be aware of the signs of cheating: You can be one step ahead by being familiar with the common signs of cheating at live dealer poker tables.
• Play at reputable casinos: Always play at trusted online live casinos in order to keep yourself safe from poker scammers.
• Stay alert and pay attention to other players' behavior: Watch out for any suspicious behavior or unusual patterns of online poker scams. One of the most common patterns that may indicate a cheater is when he marks certain cards in order to get more information for future deals.
• Don't reveal too much information about your hand: If there’s a cheater on the table, you should not share any details about your poker hands or your personal details.
• Avoid playing with suspicious players: If you get suspicious about someone on your table, you should leave that online room. If you cannot catch a scammer, it’s best to sit at another table.

Conclusion

Nowadays, trusted poker sites use the latest technologies to protect themselves and you from cheaters. However, there are some dishonest players that still find ways to violate the rules. So, if you sit at a table with a suspicious opponent, be aware of the signs of cheating in poker and try to report it.