Xenophon on the War Path Against iPhone Gambling Applications

Thursday 29 April, 2010 17:24

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Australia's most vocal anti-gambling politicians, Nick Xenophon, has expressed his disapproval of iPhone poker applications.

The politician said that the play for fun applications found on iPhones could have a detrimental affect on future generations as children should not be exposed to poker in any form - whether for money or free.

"We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there's no doubt that this will fuel gambling addiction," said Xenophon, speaking to a news agency.

"Kids can become poker machine experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine," he added.

Xenophon went on to say that the use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income.

"This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn eighteen," said Xenopehon.

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Xenophon wants to change the suggested age of gambling related applications from 12 years to 18 +.

The senator called on Apple to ban gambling applications on their iPhones.

He has also asked the federal government to launch an inquiry into the games to enforce the age restrictions that he suggests.

Many of the applications are backed by major casino operators such as Harrah's to allow users to download play for fun games for free, giving them an almost identical experience with play money.

"This is a conditioning application and the poker machine industry will be cracking open champagne bottles with this application," he added.

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