PokerStars Tightens Game Integrity Measures Ahead of EPT Monte Carlo

EPT Monte Carlo Gets the Royal Treatment

From April 30 to May 10, EPT Monte Carlo returns to the Sporting Monte-Carlo venue, bringing together poker’s elite for a festival stacked with signature events. The €5,300 Main Event (May 4–10) and €100,000 Super High Roller (May 3–5) headline the schedule, supported by a full slate of tournaments ranging from the €550 PokerStars Cup to the €25,000 High Roller.

But it’s not just about what’s happening at the tables. Off-the-felt perks include smoothie bars, player wellness sessions, supercar rides around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, and the always-anticipated EPT Players Party in the Mediterranean Garden. As ever, PokerStars is making sure the festival feels like more than just poker — though the competition will certainly take center stage.

Slide Dealing and Other Game Integrity Updates

Monte Carlo will also serve as the first phase of a rollout designed to close loopholes and address community feedback around tournament fairness. Here’s a closer look at the key updates:

#1 Fixed Hands at Final Tables

EPT final tables will now play a set number of hands per blind level instead of relying on time-based levels. This prevents stalling tactics and ensures all players are subject to the same number of hands per level, eliminating time-based advantages.

#2 Slide Dealing Introduced

Slide dealing — where cards are slid across the felt instead of pitched—is being piloted in select tournaments at Monte Carlo. The method minimizes the chance of card faces being accidentally exposed or captured by cameras or devices. The practice will be fully adopted by EPT Barcelona in August.

#3 Expanded Device Restrictions

Building on last year’s ban on solvers at the tables, PokerStars is broadening the scope of its electronic device policy. Starting in Monte Carlo, all smart accessories—watches, rings, glasses, and other data-enabled wearables—are prohibited during live play.

#4 Stricter Seating Enforcement

Players moved to new tables will now be required to take their seat immediately upon arrival. This is aimed at preventing players from hovering to gain an edge—such as avoiding blinds or observing opponents before joining the action.

#5 Updated Shot Clock Rules in Hyper Turbos

In hyper-turbo formats, shot clocks will now kick in at Level 11. Players receive two 10-second time bank cards at that point and two more at the next break. This change aims to preserve the pace in faster structures while responding to player feedback at the same time.

According to EPT Tournament Director Toby Stone, these changes are a direct result of listening to player concerns:

A Bit About Online Qualifiers and Live League

EPT Monte Carlo also continues the 2025 PokerStars Live League, where players earn leaderboard points across stops and compete for over €150,000 in buy-ins. The top 30 players will also be invited to audition for a chance to join the PokerStars Ambassador roster.

Meanwhile, online players can still qualify through PokerStars’ Power Path, with buy-ins starting as low as $0.50. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Passes are up for grabs, with Gold and Open Passport winners securing full packages to events like EPT Monte Carlo, including travel, accommodation, and unique live experiences.

One More Thing: The PokerStars Open Passport

Outside of Monte Carlo, PokerStars has also rolled out its Open Passport program — giving Gold Pass holders the option to pick and mix up to four PokerStars Open events. The pass can also be converted into four Silver Passes, offering flexible access to both live and online events. It’s part of PokerStars’ broader strategy to link its online ecosystem more tightly with its growing live footprint.

PokerStars is leaning into transparency and integrity in 2025 — and with EPT Monte Carlo setting the tone, the next few stops on the tour will likely follow suit.