Zynga Poker Classic TX Holdem - Zynga

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Short takes

Zynga Poker classic TX Holdem is a gambling app, with a particular focus on poker. Caution: simulated gambling, in-app purchases, online interactivity, advertising.

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Simulated casino style gambling

This review of Zynga Poker Classic TX Holdem was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 25 February 2015.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

Name of app: Zynga Poker Classic TX Holdem
Developed by: Zynga
Platform reviewed: Apple App Store, Google Play
Cost: Free
ACCM suggested age: 18+ in app purchasing, references to substance use, and frequent simulated gambling
Gambling content advice: Simulated casino style gambling. Player is risking money or something of value on an outcome of an event involving chance when the probability of winning or losing is less than certain. Refer to the gambling section of this review for further details

ACCM review

This review of Zynga Poker Classic TX Holdem contains the following information:

The level to which the game was reviewed

This app was played for approximately 1 hour

App description

Zynga Poker TX Holdem is a casino/gambling game that focuses on poker. The objective is to sit at tables and use the features of poker such as folding, raising and calling in order to win more chips. The skills required to play are motor skills and luck.

Reviewers comments

When the app is opened, players are brought to a screen displaying an attractive redheaded woman wearing a red silk dress. She appears to be wearing heavy make-up and has quite large breasts and displayed cleavage. Players are informed that they may log in via Facebook or play as a guest. The phrase ‘Connecting to your poker buddies, stirring drinks’ appears whilst the game loads.

As the gameplay begins, players are shown that they start with $5,000 in chips. They are asked to join the table. After clicking ‘Play now’, players are positioned at a table with three other players. Two cards are given to each player, although only the two allocated to the individual playing the app can be viewed. After this, players are given approximately 30 seconds to decide if they wish to fold, call the amount the last player put down in terms of chips or raise. If a player elects to fold, they then must watch the hand play out without participating. Four other cards are put down on the table for all of the players to use in making their own hand (e.g. using two of their own cards, as well as the other four central cards on the table).

Players can click on another player’s icon and either ‘send a gift’ or ‘add as buddy’. If a player stops playing to look at other features of the game, they are removed from the table and a ‘sit’ option appears for when they are ready.

Players are able to play games of ‘Texas Hold’em’, where they may set an amount for stakes as well as the min/max buy-in, number of players and speed at which they must play.

Players also have the option of playing through a ‘Sit-n-Go Tournament’, or they may play other games such as ‘Hi-Lo’ or ‘1-on-1 Poker’. Hi-Lo is a game that involves making a guess as to whether the card that is concealed is higher or lower in value than the card that is displayed. 1-on-1 Poker is a heads-up poker, where players can either connect and play with their friends or another random player.

In App purchasing

Players can use real-life currency to purchase packages of chips within the game. This includes buying 270,000 chips for $0.99, 2,500,000 chips for $4.99, 5,000,000 chips for $9.99, 13,500,000 chips for $19.99, 42,000,000 chips for $49.99, and 112,000,000 chips for $99.99. The app also has a ‘Lucky bonus’ slot machine feature – where players can win extra in-game cash for a free spin each day. If they wish to spin more times, they must make an in-app purchase of $2.34.

Online information

There is a ‘Chat’ function where players can write to other individuals also playing the app. This appears to be unmoderated.

Gambling

See reviewer’s comments – the app centres around gambling and casino-based activities

Advertising and product placement

It is possible to earn ‘Free Chips’ within the game by viewing advertisements for other apps, by downloading and installing other apps or by signing up for a free trial for some programs. Some of these apps include Aldi, Castle Clash, Game of War (which contains violent content and themes), OzLotteries, etc.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

When the app is opened, players are brought to a screen displaying an attractive redheaded woman wearing a red silk dress. She appears to be wearing heavy make-up and has quite large breasts and displayed cleavage.

Coarse language

N/A.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

The game involves considerable simulated gambling in the form of poker and card games, as well as slot machines. This would be highly inappropriate for younger players.

Other

N/A.

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About our colour guide

Content is age appropriate for children this age

Some content may not be appropriate for children this age. Parental guidance recommended

Content is not age appropriate for children this age

Privacy advice

These icons signal the use and/or transmission of your personal data. (Please note, not all apps on our website have been checked)

Transmits Sensitive Data
Uses Dangerous Permissions
No Privacy Policy
No tracking found in current check

Gambling content advice

Most games contain elements of risk, chance and knowledge, that is why they are fun to play. There is growing concern about the impacts of simulated gambling games on the health and wellbeing of children. That's why we are identifying games that contain gambling elements on our site. These icons signal simulated gambling activity and where none was noted.

Simulated casino style gambling. Not suitable for minors

Contains some elements of gambling. Some content is not recommended for minors. Parental guidance recommended

No gambling content found in the levels played