PokerStars have introduced active waiting lists in order to protect rookie and recreational players from the predatory practices of some regulars.

The aim of the Active Waiting Lists system is to create more active cash games but also prevent the practice of “bum hunters”. This is when a more experienced player will only sit at a table with a recognised mark: generally, a new player or a recreational player.

In a statement on their blog, PokerStars assured customers that the new feature is “about making the game fairer and the experience better for most players.”

Some online poker operators in the past have looked to tackle this issue by banning the use of seat scripts; coding which helps a player easily find a softer table. Other operators have also made games anonymous by removing table names.