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How to Identify and Beat Online Live Poker Cheaters

Last updated: 10.11.2025
Nathan Williams
Published by:Nathan Williams
How to Identify and Beat Online Live Poker Cheaters image

Live dealer poker is a thrilling game that can offer plenty of excitement and chances to win big for players here in New Zealand.

That being said, some players might look for ways to bend the rules or outright cheat. While it's tough to get one over on most New Zealand online casinos, as they employ cutting-edge security, it's always good to stay aware of the possibility.

In this guide, we'll walk you through some common signs of cheating in live dealer poker online and how you can report suspicious activity to the casino site.

Spotting Shady Play in Live Dealer Poker

  • Unusual winning streaks: If one of your opponents is on a seriously hot streak, they might be up to no good. A big red flag is if a player keeps winning hands they'd normally lose. For example, if you've got a full house and they still manage to beat you, and this keeps happening, it's worth noting.
  • Consistent wins despite poor play: Is someone consistently cleaning up at the table even though they're clearly not the sharpest player? They might have found a way to cheat.
  • Always taking the same amount of time to decide: If a player is taking the exact same amount of time to make a decision every single hand, they could be using some sort of program to help them cheat.
  • Teaming up with another player: This is tricky to spot, but if two players are clearly colluding, it's against the terms and conditions of pretty much every casino out there.

How to Report Suspected Cheating in Live Dealer Poker

If you suspect that someone is cheating in live dealer poker, it's essential to report him to the proper authorities. There are a few ways to do that.

  • Document any suspicious behavior: When you catch a cheater, you should write it down or record the action to send it to the casino site representatives.
  • Cooperate with the investigation: When the investigation begins, you need to cooperate in order for the scammer to be punished.
  • Contact the relevant gambling authority: If the casino site didn’t take the case seriously, you can always contact the gambling authority to process this.

Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Live Dealer Poker Cheaters

While it's not always possible to prevent cheating in live dealer poker, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from potential cheaters.

  • Be aware of the signs of cheating: You can be one step ahead by being familiar with the common signs of cheating at live dealer poker tables.
  • Play at reputable casinos: Always play at trusted online live casinos in order to keep yourself safe from poker scammers.
  • Stay alert and pay attention to other players' behavior: Watch out for any suspicious behavior or unusual patterns of online poker scams. One of the most common patterns that may indicate a cheater is when he marks certain cards in order to get more information for future deals.
  • Don't reveal too much information about your hand: If there’s a cheater on the table, you should not share any details about your poker hands or your personal details.
  • Avoid playing with suspicious players: If you get suspicious about someone on your table, you should leave that online room. If you cannot catch a scammer, it’s best to sit at another table.

Conclusion

Nowadays, trusted poker sites use the latest technologies to protect themselves and you from cheaters. However, there are some dishonest players that still find ways to violate the rules. So, if you sit at a table with a suspicious opponent, be aware of the signs of cheating in poker and try to report it.

FAQ

Is there cheating in online live poker games in New Zealand?

Unfortunately, cheating can occur even with anti-cheat measures and random number generators in place. This can include the use of poker bots, hacking into accounts, or collusion between players. Always play on reputable, licensed New Zealand online casinos to minimise this risk.

What are the tell-tale signs of cheating at live dealer poker?

Keep an eye out for players who consistently win despite making questionable plays. Other signs include unusually long winning streaks, consistent decision-making times, and players who seem to be working together.

Can you give me some examples of cheating in live dealer poker?

Cheating examples include using external electronic devices, marking or switching cards (though less common online), stacking the deck (impossible in RNG-based games), signaling to partners, and colluding with other players to share information or split winnings.

What steps do online casinos take to catch cheaters?

Online casinos in New Zealand will typically launch an investigation, reviewing game logs and other evidence. If cheating is confirmed, the cheater will be banned from the casino, and legal action may be pursued. Casinos also use frequent shuffling and automatic shufflers to prevent card manipulation.

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