Poker pro Martin Zamani posted a video on X over the weekend, claiming it shows a “massive bot farm” operating on Ignition Poker, an offshore site affiliated with Bovada. The footage takes viewers through multiple rooms filled with computers, each running Ignition’s client, though no human players appear at the tables.
Zamani emphasized in his post: “They’ve known about it for ages and done nothing. It’s high-stakes and this isn’t the entire operation either. Enough is enough of this shit.” He clarified, however, that he did not film the video himself and did not provide context on its origin.
Inside the Alleged Bot Operation
PokerScout counted at least 29 screens in the video, including desktops, laptops, and TVs, with one or two tables open on each. Three individuals appear: the cameraperson and two men, one wearing a mask. Power cords snake across the floor, and the rooms are dimly lit, with lava lamps, clothing racks, and scattered food remnants visible.
The footage hints at coordinated, large-scale activity, presumably intended to exploit min-cash payouts across multiple tournaments.
Reports From Ignition Regulars
Several players responded to Zamani’s post, sharing experiences with suspected bots in Ignition tournaments. One noted that in higher buy-in events ($100+), late-registering accounts stall every hand to trade blinds while advancing in the tournament. Although individual min-cashes are small, repeated across dozens of accounts, this could generate substantial profits, damaging tournament integrity.
Notably, Brian Hastings, six-time WSOP bracelet winner, previously posted videos in 2025 showing suspicious table behavior that suggested collusion. Despite contacting Ignition, he reported little meaningful action had been taken: “I don’t get the impression any real changes are imminent. Play at your own risk.”
How Other Sites Handle Bots
In contrast, CoinPoker maintains a strict policy: “Ban early, ban quickly.” Their advanced detection tools aim to prevent bot ring activity, ensuring games remain human-focused. The site emphasizes that protecting game integrity takes precedence over concerns about banning accounts too aggressively.
Zamani’s Role in Poker Whistleblowing
Zamani first gained notoriety for exposing alleged collusion and ghosting by Bryn Kenney in 2022. Today, he continues to compete in major tournaments independently, maintaining a reputation for vigilance against unfair practices in the poker world.
The video’s circulation has reignited debate over online poker security, highlighting the ongoing challenges sites face in preventing bots from undermining competitive play.
