By Andy Young
The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) has said legal action against Aristocrat regarding the design of poker machines operating in the Australian market ignores clear facts about the strict legal and compliance obligations of the Australian gaming industry.
The legal action centres around a claim by Shonica Guy against Crown casino and pokie manufacturer Aristocrat that the machines are "misleading" and "deceptive". The claim also argues that information given to players regarding the 85 per cent return by the machines is also "deceptive".
However, GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said today: “I’m advised the claim will be vigorously defended. Australia has one of the most stringent regulatory environments for poker machines in the world.
"Regulators impose comprehensive conditions on every aspect of poker machine design and operation.
“Poker machines are designed to be entertaining and are a legitimate recreational activity that many Australians enjoy responsibly.
“We look forward to contributing to a sensible debate about these issues and dispelling the myths underpinning this action,” Ferrar added.
Both Aristocrat and Crown casino have said they will defend any claim that is lodged.