Microgaming, one of the largest online gambling software providers and poker networks, announced yesterday that they will be putting a halt to data mining.

According to sources within the company, this new policy will take immediate effect.  Microgamimng has already set up measures to back up its intention. Some of which include moves to stop the storage of hand histories on observed tables on players' computers and the practice of downloading and storing hand histories in bulk.

For those unfamiliar with data mining, in poker, it occurs when players use third party tools to gain an upper hand over their opponents by studying common leaks in their game through the collection of hand history data.

Unfortunately, over time third party software, which analyzes hand histories collected by data mining, has changed from a helpful tool for finding weaknesses within a player's game to more of an exploitative tool.

Using third party software makes it easier for a player to identify another player's weaknesses; thus giving the player with the most data on his competitors an upper hand.

Studying of a player's hand histories came to surface last month when it was discovered that individuals had studied the hand histories of online poker phenomenon Isildur1 to cheat him out of more than $4 million while playing on Full Tilt Poker.

Andrew Clucas, Head of Poker at Microgaming Software Systems, said: “Concern has been rising over the long-term effect of third party software upon the poker industry as a whole, and in particular the negative effect it has on the recreational player demographic.  The decision to put a stop to the practice of data mining on the Poker Network is part of Microgaming's overarching network strategy to support operators in attracting and retaining recreational players. It further demonstrates commitment in providing a secure and fair playing environment.”

He continued: “I would like to emphasize that with this change, as with the change to Weighted Contribution, Microgaming is not seeking to alienate its winning players. There has been a move in the industry towards penalizing winners; we believe that is the wrong approach. There will always be winners and losers in poker. What we are trying to achieve is a more level playing field for all the players.”

Miss B says: I used to be a big fan of data mining. It helps newbies and all players alike correct their flaws in the game.  It’s a real great tool when it’s not used in the wrong way. It sucks when people abuse the system and mess it up for the rest of us.  What you take on all of this?