[OneTwoThreeROBOT]

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I can't make this much clearer:

ethics =/ rules.




In most cases, it is true that rules/laws are separate from ethics. For example, most would agree that it is not unethical to smoke marijuana, but it is still illegal. However poker is a game, and to cheat in a game is unethical. Thus, in order to be ethical while playing a game, you must follow the rules of the game, whatever the rules may be. Using a corked bat in the MLB is unethical because it is against the rules. If you were playing in a league that allowed corked bats, then using a corked bat would be ok. In the “league” of online poker, pokertracker is allowed and pokerbots aren’t. Thus pokertracker is ethical and pokerbots aren’t.

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Bingo. Smoking marijuana is illegal but not immoral because you never made a contract with the government that said you wouldn't do it (and because it doesn't hurt or steal from anyone).

If you're playing at Party Poker, then you DID make a deal with them. Remember that little box you checked when you signed up your account, the one that says "I have read and understand the terms and conditions, blah blah blah?" Clicking that box is the internet way of doing contracts.

Rules DO equal ethics when they are in the form of a contract you voluntarily signed. That's why Pokertracker is okay both legally and ethically.