dchandler has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hi guys, I've recently been playing poker at www.partypoker.com. To play you download and use their software. I have since seen several programs, one at www.52deck.com and another at www.calculatem.com. These programs somehow automatically detect what cards have been dealt, and who is out of a hand/who bet. I think the one at 52deck utilizes an option that allows you to make requests of your hand history. However, since I might want to observe highstakes tables (but not play at them!), i'd be interested in capturing liveplay. Is there any way to do this in perl?

Thank you, oh wise ones.

  • Comment on How to read information from on the screen from online gambling software

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Re: How to read information from on the screen from online gambling software
by McMahon (Chaplain) on Aug 31, 2004 at 02:40 UTC
    One way or another, you're going to have to read some IP packets. Start with IO:Socket, look at Net::PCAP, investigate ethereal and uhh...

    ...call us back. I'm interested...
[reply]
      Hello all,

      Some monks I spoke to on the chatterbox expressed concern that what I was asking would be illegal or a violation of the terms of service of a casino. At the bottom I have attached a letter from a representative of partypoker.com saying that using software that calculates odds is not a violation of their terms of service.

      I am not interested in calculating odds, I'm only interested in recording PUBLICLY available information about hands such as how much and when people bet and what the community cards were and what the cards were at showdown. I am trying to collect this data as part of a research project on the economics of gambling. There is no need to worry that I'm making any of the helpful perl monks an accomplice to illicit gambling practices.

      I am not a computer programmer, so as much specific information as possible would be helpful. If you could point me in the direction of a more friendly introduction to the things I will have to learn that would be greatly appreciated. I don't even know what a socket or packet is. I am not "scheming" anyone and so there is no need to worry that this is part of some make money quick scam.

      ---------------------------
      Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 22:05:38 -0400 (EDT)
      X-PH: V4.4 (uchicago), $Revision: 1.62 $@midway
      From: info@pokerservices.com
      To: ### <= don't want spam
      Subject: Usage of Poker Software to calculate poker odds. #1549870

      Dear #######,

      As per our coversation over the hpone please find the required information about the Poker software and its usage to caluculate poker odds.

      We are aware of the existence of the softwares in the Internet like PokerHud which calculates your odds of winning a hand. This software latches on to the PartyPoker software and creates a link, giving you a brief idea on your chances on winning a hand.

      We would like to state that as of now our rules don't explicitly forbid the use of such tools. Similar kinds of software have surfaced in the past and will keep coming up in the future too. These are programs that calculate the odds and help you in your decision-making. However an interaction with any experienced professional poker player would enlighten the fact that in the long run it is not advisable for any player to use the help of this software.

      Since poker is game of skill and a little bit of luck if a player starts depending on a software to make a decision for him, his skill on the game that is perfected by practice would not be developed. You may come across experienced poker players who would be able to calculate and give you more realistic odds than any software that is programmed to do so.

      However, we also do understand it is our responsibility to ensure that our players are not uncomfortable with the fact that other players are using this software. Based on our player's feedback it would just require a few changes in our client to render the PokerHud software incompatible with our client.

      Keeping the above mentioned facts in mind please understand that the usage of such softwares is not recommended and we would also request you not to take the risk of purchasing a software that may just be a nullified in the future.

      I hope the above explanation was

      ####, if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Care Department at any time. We are here 24/7 to assist you via email.

      VandhanaS Poker Customer Care

[reply]
Re: How to read information from on the screen from online gambling software
by xorl (Deacon) on Aug 31, 2004 at 13:58 UTC
    Like the first responce said, You're going to have to read the information the site sends to the browser and software. His suggestions are a good starting point.

    BTW I'd be more than a little worried about a poker site that lets people observe what cards are being dealt. Why couldn't I play at the highstakes table and have my friend observe and IM me what cards the other players have? Of course I don't trust any gambling place (online or even face-to-face in Atlantic City or Las Vegas).

[reply]

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