Microgaming announced yesterday that datamining on its poker network will soon be a thing of the past.
Online poker players depend on hand histories to help them improve their game, and subsequently their profitability. Online poker rooms, like those supported by Microgaming software, frequently provide players with hand histories in bulk, and prior to the announcement from Microgaming players were able to download these hand histories in bulk and story the information on their personal computers. That feature will no longer be available on the Microgaming Network.
The practice of datamining is a recent development where third party software gathers player hand histories and then breaks down the data to provide insight in how other players play. This information, when used by a knowledgeable poker player, can be an incredibly effective edge in a poker game.
Head of Poker at Microgaming Software Systems, Andrew Clucas, said “Concern has been rising over the long-term effect of third party software upon the poker industry as a whole, and in particular the negative effect it has on the recreational player demographic. The decision to put a stop to the practice of datamining on the Poker Network is part of Microgaming’s overarching network strategy to support operators in attracting and retaining recreational players. It further demonstrates commitment in providing a secure and fair playing environment.
“I would like to emphasize that with this change, as with the change to Weighted Contribution, Microgaming is not seeking to alienate its winning players. There has been a move in the industry towards penalising winners; we believe that is the wrong approach. There will always be winners and losers in poker. What we are trying to achieve is a more level playing field for all the players.”