Winning Poker Network activated ScreenShield for players whose computers met its detection criteria for remote-access or screen-control software, after contacting those players on Sept. 29. The safeguard is intended to block protected table content, including hole cards, from the screen-capture and screen-sharing methods it covers, while leaving players able to view and play at their own tables normally.
Americas Cardroom said the measure was an additional precaution, rather than a finding that the targeted players had cheated or that their devices had been compromised. WPN’s review found no compromise of its own systems, poker software or official downloads, and Phil Nagy, ACR Poker’s chief executive, described ScreenShield as “another layer of protection, not a magic button.”
The rollout followed allegations that malicious versions of third-party poker software had installed remote-access software on players’ computers, potentially exposing high-stakes players’ hole cards. Poker.org reported that the third-party tools named in accounts of the incident were Jurojin Poker and IntuitiveTables. The presence of remote-access capability alone does not establish either device compromise or cheating, WPN said, noting that such software can be used for work meetings, collaboration, access to a work computer and IT support.
That distinction explains why ScreenShield was not enabled across the network. The feature can interfere with legitimate streaming, recording and screen-sharing, including content creation. Players who require those functions can ask support to review their account settings, while any WPN player can request ScreenShield through [email protected]. Activation after a request may take up to 48 hours.
A separate Game Integrity inquiry into relevant player and account activity remains under way. WPN said compensation would be determined by its findings if it establishes wrongdoing and harm to network players.
ACR is also working with GTO Wizard to cross-check whether situations played on ACR were solved through GTO Wizard. The companies are developing broader analysis of final tables, with the stated goal of eventually covering every ACR final table. GTO Wizard’s public Fair Play Check includes preflop ICM solutions and the times at which those solutions were generated.
WPN has sent other online poker operators guidance on implementing similar table protection, though it said the sharing does not mean any other operator has adopted ScreenShield.
ACR had previously tightened its rules around remote viewing. In August 2023, it began implementing a ban on virtual machines and real-time screen-sharing tools that it said could be used to obtain an unfair advantage, following direct warnings to known users the previous month. WPN now plans regular scans and more proactive application of ScreenShield when its detection criteria are met, while an individual on-off control in the poker client remains in development.
