One of the differences between online poker and poker played at an actual table or casino is that you can’t actually see your opponent’s face.

This can hinder seasoned players because they can’t read facial expressions or tells but the benefit is your pocket cards remain available for your eyes only, at least that is what people always assumed until a frightening incident at AbsolutePoker.com.

Reports surfaced about two weeks ago that players were being cheated out of winnings.

The Associated Press citing posts from 2+2 Forum, reported that bloggers noticed irregular play from a player dubbed “POTRIPPER” that led them to believe the player knew opponents’ hole cards at the Kahnawake Mohawk-run site.

Sensing a storm coming, The Kahnawake Gaming Commission appointed a consulting firm to audit the AbsolutePoker site.

“The audit will not be restricted to examining theories circulating in Internet chat rooms and fora,” KGC chair David Montour said in a statement.

“It is essential that all online gaming and wagering is conducted in a fair and honest manner where customers are protected,” he said. “It is important that we, as a commission, act on findings and not allegations alone.”

A week later, MSNBC.com reported that the “POTRIPPER” was a former AbsolutePoker employee who was able to hack into the system.

More here.