Event organizers in Asia tighten security around their events

The poker world was shaken a few weeks ago when Mike Postle supposedly cheated on a live stream hosted at the Stones Gambling House. Across the world, the community reacted strongly to these allegations which in turn revived other fears and stories.

Talking with Somuchpoker, three of the major live event operators in Asia – Asian Poker Tour, World Poker Tour, and Asia Poker League – stated new measures have been implemented to reinforce the fairness of the games. Main changes are bringing their own decks of cards and banning any electronics at a streamed table.

Asia Poker Tour

In a statement by LLoyd Fontillas, Asian Poker Tour General Manager / Executive Tournament Director,

“To address all the negativity revolving around in today’s poker market regarding possible cheating we would like to ensure players that we have always and continue to make sure our events are fair and safe to play in.

As an international organizer we bring enough of our own fresh cards and if we feel that the cards need replacement during event, we replace them right away with fresh decks, to also ease the minds of the players, all events that are streamed will have no commentary from now on and players will not be allowed to carry a cellphone at a streamed Final table.”

World Poker Tour

In a statement by Danny McDonagh, World Poker Tour Live Events Specialist,

“Considering the growth of the tour in the Asia region the WPT will, from now on, bring our own cards for its events in Asia, except if the local regulation only allows the use of the casino cards.”

Asia Poker League

James Kim of APL confirmed that on their previous event, they applied the same changes as the Asian Poker Tour – a no phone on streamed table policy and brought their own cards.

Article by Tricia David