How to Spot Bots and Collusion in Online Poker Games

The Golden Nugget boardwalk is closed now. I remember when they had a live poker room. you could watch the games from the rail, see the tells, understand the play.

Online, you cannot see the tells. you can only see betting patterns. that is where bots and collusion live.

the bot sign

Bots play perfect basic strategy with no variance. they are robots. they never make leaks.

if you see a player who plays the exact same hand the exact same way every time, regardless of position, opponent, or stack size, they might be a bot.

Robots fold all weak hands. they raise all premium hands. they never deviate. the play is mechanical.

real players vary. they bluff. they slow-play. they get frustrated and play worse. they tilt.

a player with no variance over 1,000 hands is suspicious.

the collusion sign

Collusion happens when two players are working together against a third.

The signs:

• Two players never raise each other. if both are in the hand, they just call and check it down.
• Two players enter pots together. whenever one bets, the other calls. they have a "special" dynamic.
• Two players fold to each other's bets but not to third players.
• Two players have similar bankroll sizes and similar play patterns.

if you see two players who are clearly not raising each other, but are raising other players, they might be colluding.

the poker site response

most online poker sites have fraud detection. they track betting patterns, look for suspicious correlations, and flag accounts.

but detection is not perfect. sophisticated collusion can hide.

if you suspect collusion, you can report it. the site will investigate. they might refund you if they find evidence.

the practical advice

if you are playing online poker, expect some level of fraud. it exists. the best defense is to move tables if you suspect something. there are other games.

if you get into a hand against suspected bots or colluders, play tighter. fold more. do not gamble with them.

if you see clear evidence of fraud, report it. then move on.

Additional Perspective

The underlying principle here is straightforward: understanding how the mechanics work gives you an edge in decision-making. Whether you are playing for fun or trying to optimize your approach, the details matter. The math is real. The odds are fixed. But your awareness of these facts changes how you engage with the game. Take time to learn the specifics before you commit significant money. Read the terms. Understand the edge. Make informed decisions. That is how you play with eyes open, not hoping for luck but understanding probability.

The practical takeaway is this: know the rules before you play. Know the edge before you commit money. Know your own limits before you sit down. Every decision at the table, every bet you place, every time you choose to play or not to play, is a choice made with incomplete information. The only control you have is over which games you choose and how disciplined you are in managing your bankroll. Master those two things, and you are ahead of ninety percent of the players out there.