Cheating Allegations Stop Streams Flowing at Stones Gambling Hall

October 4th, 2019 | by Kaycee James

Stones Gambling Hall in Citrus Heights California has announced that it’s suspending all live poker streams amid accusations of cheating.

Stones Gambling Hall has suspended its live poker streams after allegations of cheating intensify. (Image: Stones Gambling Hall)

First brought to light on September 28, the incident has captivated the poker world and could be the latest scandal to rock the industry.

Brill Airs Concerns and Sparks Debate

(1/4) .@StonesGambling is committed to the integrity of our games. We have been alarmed by allegations of unfair play occurring during the streamed broadcasts of our “Stones Live” games and have acted quickly to investigate.
— Stones Gambling Hall (@StonesGambling) October 3, 2019

According to local player Veronica Brill, Stones Gambling Hall regular Mike Postle has been gaming the system. Despite many of Postle’s sessions being shown live online, Brill alleges that he’s found a way to cheat.

Responding, Postle denied any wrongdoing as did Stones Gaming Hall. However, an external investigation carried out by high stakes pro Joey Ingram has kept the case alive.

During a five-hour YouTube video, the American broke down a number of hands that aroused suspicion. Joining the skeptics, Danny Steinberg called a hand where Postle made a seemingly impossible three-bet on the river “the most damming hand.”

While it’s important to note that a previous investigation didn’t reveal any evidence of cheating, the recent scrutiny has prompted a second look through the streams.

To prevent any further discontent, the poker room has suspended all broadcasts until further notice.

But even with the promise of a second investigation, Ingram isn’t confident. In a tweet, he urged Stones Gambling Hall to not use the same team they used before.

Poker Community Pressures Stones Gambling Hall

In tandem with a breakdown of the hands played, the poker community has pointed to other worrying factors in the case.

According to forum users, there’s a possible conflict of interest between Postle and Stones’ tournament director Justin Kuraitis.

Although there is little concrete evidence, they point to the fact that Postle’s win rate when Kuraitis wasn’t commentating has been less impressive.

On top of that, Twitter user @vdthemyk believes access to the software powering the club’s live streams isn’t secure. In his opinion, there’s a chance someone could access the stream, view the card graphics and relay them to Postle via a radio device.

At this stage, none of the allegations have been proven but the incident has made national news. As well as coverage by FOX, the case was the subject of debate on ESPN SportsCenter.

For now, Postle remains innocent until proven guilty; in the eyes of the law, at least.

However, with cheating scandals involving the likes of Darren Woods hard to forget, the cash game grinder may have a tougher time convincing the poker community.