PokerStars removed from Australian App Store
Apple also removes 888 real-money mobile poker app from its App Store after government pressure
PokerStars and 888’s real-money mobile poker apps have been removed from the iOS App Store in Australia and are no longer available to consumers in the region after pressure from the Australian government.
The Federal Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy Department reportedly approached Apple to claim the apps were in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which technically bans all forms of online casino gambling in Australia.
Senator Richard Di Natale appealed to Apple in April for PokerStars app to be removed from the Australian App Store saying Apple had an “obligation to take down apps that are against Australian law”.
A PokerStars spokesman said the decision to remove the apps was made in consultation with Apple and they would continue to monitor its position in Australia.
“We have agreed to withdraw the PokerStars app from the Australian app store, and we will continue to review the situation and inform players of any future decision,” a PokerStars spokesman said.
PokerStars’ Twitter account was besieged by angry customers complaining they could no longer access the service, although users can still access the web version of both PokerStars and 888 software.
A review of the IGA in March said the current law was inadequate and recommended the introduction of online gambling licences for non-sports betting sites, but was criticised by anti-gambling politicians including Seantor Nick Xenophon.
A separate move to ban advertising of in-play betting odds has been gaining ground in Australia in an increasing clamp down on gambling advertising, while individual states South Australia and Western Australia have already announced their own such bans.