partypoker rolls out ecology changes

partypoker has commenced the roll-out of its planned ‘ecology changes’ aimed at improving its poker product environment for new and recreational players. The introduced changes are part of the operators Poker for the People’ campaign.

The operator’s product team announced that the following changes had come into effect

• Players wishing to wait for a cash game will join the room-wide waiting list and be randomly seated when a seat that matches their preference becomes available
• Players joining a cash game will see the names of their opponents only once their first hand is dealt

These changes will help to limit the use of third-party online poker tracking software including HUDs and seating scripts whilst improving the poker ecology for all poker players.

Further second phase of changes, will be introduced in the coming weeks, which will see player hand histories no longer be available for download but will be viewable only from within the partypoker software.

Golan Shaked, partypoker Director of Games said “Since we announced our plans to restrict the use of third party tools on our software we have been delighted by the response of the poker community. Today we are pleased to be introducing the first of those changes which will level the playing field for all players.”

partypoker ambassador Mike Sexton backed the changes introduced:

“As a professional poker player, I understand players who seek out games with weaker players, but they must realize that those being ‘stalked’ will most likely quit playing if the same User Names continually show up at their table when they opt to play.  Losing these players is not good for the everyday player or the site.  Personally, I think it’s great that recreational players are being protected from the using third party software. Hats off to partypoker for implementing this.”