HUDs and RTA: the rules on poker helper tools
A HUD shows stats on your opponents during online poker. RTA, or real-time assistance, tells you how to play a hand while it is live. Sites treat them differently: some allow HUDs, but every major site bans RTA.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01RTA is banned everywhere and can get your account closed.
- 02HUD rules vary; several big sites now ban them.
- 03Always read the site’s list of allowed and banned tools.
Key numbers
Tool rules at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- RTA means live advice during a hand.
- A HUD shows past stats, not advice.
- Rules differ from site to site.
- Breaking them can cost your balance.
Progress
HUD vs RTA in one hand
- 1
Seat stats
HUD: past numbers
- 2
Your decision
You think it through
- 3
Live advice
RTA: banned
- 4
After the session
Study tools: fine
The line is advice during a live hand.
Common poker tools
| Tool | What it does | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| RTA solver | Suggests plays live | Banned |
| HUD | Shows opponent stats | Varies |
| Hand tracker | Saves hand histories | Varies |
| Study solver | Reviews hands after play | Allowed off the table |
| Note taking | Your own notes on players | Allowed |
Check the site’s own list.
What a HUD shows
A HUD reads hand histories and shows numbers over each seat. Common stats are how often a player enters pots and how often they raise before the flop.
Supporters say it saves effort. Critics say it gives regulars a big edge over casual players.
Typical HUD stats
| Stat | Meaning |
|---|---|
| VPIP | How often a player puts money in |
| PFR | How often they raise preflop |
| 3-bet | How often they re-raise |
| Hands | Sample size behind the stats |
More hands make stats more reliable.
Why RTA is banned
RTA tools run a solver during a hand and tell you the best play. That is close to having a coach whisper in your ear.
Sites treat it as cheating, like sharing cards. Penalties include closed accounts and confiscated winnings, which may go back to other players.
Sequence
Staying within the rules
Step 01
Read the tool policy
Every site posts one.
Step 02
Close banned apps
Before you sit down.
Step 03
Study after sessions
Solvers are fine off the table.
Step 04
Ask support
When unsure about a tool.
Step 05
Keep your own notes
Built-in notes are safe.
How sites detect tools
Sites scan for known software on your device and look for play that matches solver output too closely. Some also study timing patterns.
In regulated US states, poker sites report serious cases to the state regulator.
Tool terms
- RTA
- Real-time assistance during a hand.
- HUD
- Heads-up display of opponent stats.
- Solver
- Software that works out strong plays.
- Hand history
- A text record of each hand.
Live poker rooms
In live cardrooms, using a phone app for advice during a hand is also banned. Many rooms do not let you use your phone at all while you are in a hand.
Check the posted house rules, since some also limit taking notes at the table.
A HUD helps most in fast games with 6 or more tables at once. A player who sees 500 hands an hour builds stats on each regular within 2 or 3 sessions.
Where tools are used
| Setting | HUD | RTA |
|---|---|---|
| Online, HUD-friendly site | Allowed | Banned |
| Online, no-HUD site | Banned | Banned |
| Live cardroom | Not used | Banned |
Simplified; read each site’s policy.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a solver open
- It can be flagged.
- Assuming HUDs are allowed
- Many sites ban them now.
- Sharing accounts
- Also a breach.
- Ignoring rule updates
- Policies change.
HUD stats on a sample player
| Stat | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| VPIP | 24% | Plays about 1 hand in 4 |
| PFR | 19% | Raises most hands played |
| 3-bet | 7% | Re-raises fairly often |
| Hands | 1,500 | Enough for rough reads |
Stats under about 300 hands are unreliable.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, poker status, floor facts). Print poker rooms, sorted by published table count.
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Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is RTA in poker?
Real-time assistance: software that advises you during a live hand. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What is a HUD?
A display of opponent stats built from past hands. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Are solvers illegal?
No, but using one during play is banned on major sites. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
02Rules
Are HUDs allowed?
It depends on the site. Several large sites ban them. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Can I take notes?
Yes. Built-in player notes are allowed almost everywhere. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What happens if I use RTA?
Account closure and loss of funds are common. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
03Detection
How do sites catch RTA?
By scanning software and checking play against solver output. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Do regulators get involved?
In US states, serious cases can be reported to the regulator. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Can I appeal?
Contact support, and the state regulator if you are in a licensed state. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Sources
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement · accessed Oct 15, 2026Gaming and sports wagering rules
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 15, 2026Licensed online casinos and live dealer studios
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER