The response comes following accusations a Michigan WSOP Online winner cheated
WSOP Online recently responded to different concerns about real-time assistance (RTA) in its games following accusations against Michigan poker pro Kevin “GR4ND_THEFT” Ruscitti. RTA, a form of gameplay assistance using software like solvers, is controversial in online poker, as it gives players an unfair advantage.
Ruscitti, who earned the title of Michigan Player of the Year on WSOP.com and won an online bracelet, had his account temporarily suspended after other players raised suspicions of RTA use. He denied these claims, attributing the accusations to backlash from his recent successes, and anticipates reinstatement once he provides required documentation.
In a public statement on X, WSOP Online emphasized its commitment to game integrity, noting that decisions in gameplay should be made solely by players and not influenced by external tools or assistance. They urged players to avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information, emphasizing that all players are entitled to a fair review under WSOP’s regulated jurisdictions.
The platform shared details on its security measures designed to detect RTA use and similar software, including tools that flag unusual patterns and analyze player history to spot inconsistencies with typical gameplay. WSOP Online employs location and device tracking, along with personal verification, to confirm that players are the vetted individuals allowed to play in licensed regions.
Ruscitti’s investigation began when fellow Michigan players conducted Fair Play Checks after he allegedly mentioned using solvers during online games. This claim prompted other players, including notable figures like Ryan “MagicJohnson” Hiller, to scrutinize Ruscitti’s play. While Fair Play Checks can suggest suspicious activity, poker pro Matt Berkey cautioned that these checks are not definitive proof of RTA use.
WSOP Online encouraged players to report any suspicious activity to the support team, stressing the value of community input in identifying potential breaches. With RTA concerns growing across online poker, WSOP’s statement underscored the challenges of maintaining fair play while upholding transparent and rigorous security standards.
