Intertops Poker is a popular online poker site that has been in operation since 2006. Numerous allegations of cheating and rigging have been leveled at the site, with many players claiming that they have been disadvantaged by a systematic scheme to manipulate the game in favour of the house.
As with most allegations of cheating in poker, there is no definitive proof that Intertops Poker is rigged, but the allegations have persisted for years and continue to be made by many players. In a 2012 study, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that even after controlling for skill and bet size, players who were more likely to call preflop were also more likely to win when playing against an opponent with a known betting pattern.
The study’s authors concluded that “players can profit from exploiting information about their opponents’ hands.”.
While it is impossible to say for certain whether Intertops Poker is rigged, the accusations provide a compelling argument for reform of online poker regulation. Until there is conclusive evidence of fraud or manipulation, online poker should be treated as a game of chance, not as a sure bet for those with inside information.
