partypoker to Enforce Mandatory Alias Change With $500K Rewards

Starting June 17, partypoker players will no longer be able to use their current screen names as part of a major software update.

The site is set to enforce a mandatory change of alias across its global dotcom site, along with launching new table rules, a new hand replayer, as well as new policies regarding third-party software.

New aliases are subject to partypoker’s rules on appropriate language and current screen names. The new aliases will be locked in for a period of six months to make sure no one else will be able to use it at the tables. New screen names are available on a first come-first served basis.

This is a big move from partypoker and it will no doubt cause inconveniences to players. To make up for this, the online poker room is running a huge promotion on June 17, awarding $500,000 to all its global.com players, excluding those playing from Czech Republic and Sweden. The online poker giant will award over $80,000 to those who are able to change their alias on June 17. Nearly $370,000 will also be given away in hourly click card drops, in addition to planned freerolls worth $50,000.

Upon changing your alias, you are entitled to receive a free click card with a corresponding prize, including a $5 SPINS ticket, a $10,000 freeroll ticket, or cash prizes starting from $50 all the way up to $10,000. There will also be between $10,000 and $40,000 worth of click cards given away each hour from 10:00 am CET on June 17, to 10:00 am CET the following day.

Players who win tickets through hourly and login click cards are eligible to take part in five freerolls, each carrying a $10,000 prize pool.

Dealing With Third-Party Tools

The forced alias change comes in the wake of recent concerns regarding the use of third-party software and the threats they pose to the online poker world. partypoker aims to combat the increasing disparities caused by heads-up displays (HUDs) and other forms of third-party programs, which place amateurs and casual players at a disadvantage.

While HUDs have been generally allowed in the past, players in some highly-regulated jurisdictions have already been barred from using the software. Newer players often fall victims to the predatory use of such programs as they quickly get busted from games against the more experienced players. As a result, newer players lose interest in redepositing.

Tom Waters, partypoker managing director, said the major client update is part of a series of initiatives by the site to provide a safer gaming environment for players. Further announcements on the software update will be made in the near future.