Poker is not just about the cards in front of you, it is also about everyone playing by the same rules. Most people sit down expecting a fair game, yet now and then things drift away from what is acceptable.
In both online and in-person poker, some behaviours can create an unfair edge. This is called collusion. It is taken seriously by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) because it undermines trust at the table.
If you want to know how collusion is spotted and what happens when it is found, read on. We take a clear look at how operators work to keep poker fair, both on and offline.
What Is Collusion in Poker?
Collusion in poker is when two or more players secretly cooperate to gain an unfair advantage over others. It can happen anywhere poker is played and it breaks a core principle of the game: each player must act independently.
You might see this term in site rules or table notices. Collusion harms the experience for everyone else at the table by distorting how decisions are made and how results are reached. That is why operators put rules, monitoring, and clear penalties in place to prevent it.
Every poker hand relies on one person making one decision for themselves. When players start coordinating, it changes the flow of information and the way other players respond. The result is a game that no longer reflects genuine, independent play.
If you do decide to try your hand at poker, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Do Poker Sites Detect Collusion?
Poker sites use analytics and human review to look for behaviour that does not fit with normal play. Software scans large samples of hands to identify patterns that are statistically unusual, such as two accounts consistently avoiding confrontation with each other or folding in sync across many sessions. If two seats always flat-call together, rarely clash, or engage in repeated micro-bets that appear to signal information, that can trigger deeper checks.
These tools do more than watch single hands. They compare long-term trends against benchmarks built from thousands of players. They look for repeated correlations in timing, betting sequences, and table selection that are very unlikely under independent decision-making. Where appropriate, sites also compare device fingerprints, IP locations, and session overlaps to see whether the same people might be coordinating multiple accounts.
Once a flag is raised, security teams review hand histories and any relevant chat records, then weigh the evidence against internal policies. Licensed operators keep detailed logs so that reviews can be thorough and consistent. Many will outline their monitoring approach in their terms and conditions, so players can see how fair play is protected.
What Happens If You’re Caught Colluding?
When an investigation suggests collusion, operators move from monitoring to action, with steps designed to protect other players and the integrity of the games.
Account Actions and Fund Seizures
The first move is often a temporary restriction while the operator completes a full review of the relevant sessions. During this period, investigators examine betting histories, look at how decisions lined up between accounts, and assess whether the behaviour matches known forms of collusion such as soft play, chip dumping, or information sharing.
If the findings confirm collusion, outcomes can include permanent account closure and the seizure of funds linked to the activity. Tournament results may be voided and prizes reallocated. In cash games, affected players can be compensated where the operator’s policies allow. Some operators bar the individuals involved across their network, or share information with other venues when similar activity is suspected.
In certain cases, findings are reported to the regulator. Operators are expected to keep clear records and to act consistently with their published rules. If an account is restricted, customer support can explain what is happening and what the next steps may be, including whether an appeal is available under the site’s procedures.
Play Casino Games Online
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We are licensed and regulated by the UKGC, and our site outlines the measures we use to support fair play and protect your account. We also offer a range of responsible gambling tools such as self exclusion and deposit limits, so that you can manage your play in line with your preferences and budget.
Support is on hand through the site if you need guidance. Whether you are here for poker insights or exploring our game library, the aim is a safe, well-informed experience. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.