A common danger in the mobile and online gambling worlds is the fear that underage individuals may be able to gain access to applications only suitable for adults. A new application available in iTunes' app market has recently come under fire for just that: exposing children to gambling activities in the digital world. Slotomania is a new iPhone application that simulates pokies machines.
Because real cash is not exchanged, the game is available to players of all ages. Thus, young players can access the application and can become exposed to gambling at a young age. Studies have shown that the earlier children are introduced to gambling, the more likely they are to develop unhealthy gambling habits in the future. Clubs Australia believes that this application (and ones like it) help that process along.
Anthony Ball of Clubs Australia has requested that the application be shut down by the government, he has yet to receive a response. According to the Terms and Conditions of the Slotomania application, it is only meant to be used by individuals over the age of 21 and is for entertainment purposes only, but Clubs Australia is not convinced. It seems the organization will continue to push until the application is pulled from the Marketplace.