As a dedicated Pokémon fan and owner of a Pokemon restock community called Poke Pullz, it has become increasingly frustrating and heartbreaking to see the sheer difficulty in obtaining Pokémon cards due to Walmart's online platform being overwhelmed by botting platforms.

Real fans, like myself, and community members are consistently left disappointed as we attempt to secure pokemon drops though fair manual purchasing through online Walmart+ events or through, only to find them swiftly wiped out by automated bots. 

This is not just a personal grievance....it's an issue shared by countless enthusiasts in my community and across social media who find themselves at a disadvantage against sophisticated bot algorithms designed to monopolize stock as soon as it becomes available. According to a report by CNBC, the Pokémon card craze saw unprecedented demand, making them a prime target for bot operators who capitalise on automated buying solutions to secure large quantities, leaving legitimate customers empty-handed.

Walmart is a major player in retail and has a responsibility to implement robust anti-bot strategies to ensure fairness and accessibility for all customers. Not only is this essential for the integrity of their sales process, but it also supports the genuine collectors who are the real consumer base for these products.

We urge Walmart to take immediate action by collaborating with technology experts to develop and incorporate advanced CAPTCHA systems, periodic audits, and real-time data analysis to detect and block bots from purchasing in bulk. Implementing these measures will allow genuine Pokémon enthusiasts a fair chance to purchase cards and enjoy a beloved hobby without the frustration of being consistently outpaced by bots.

Please sign this petition to call on Walmart to prioritize consumer fairness and enhance their bot protection measures today for a more equitable and enjoyable purchasing experience.