Hungry Jack's, McDonald's apps using 'casino' tactics may encourage unhealthy habits, expert says
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Fast-food companies are copying gambling techniques from casinos to keep people's attention. Dr Stephen Bright, a psychologist and addiction expert, says there needs to be more government regulation of apps that use gambling tactics. Hungry Jack's Shake & Win app allows people to win a free menu item or special deal. If they shake their device, they have 30 minutes to go to the participating store and collect their prize. They can choose to redeem their free item if they do not shake again. if the shake is repeated, the offer is not valid.
Hungry Jack's and McDonald's apps are copying gambling techniques used in casinos to keep people's attention.
Hungry Jack's and McDonald's apps use similar 'casino' tactics to encourage unhealthy habits. Dr Bright compared the apps to poker machines. McDonalds offers a similar scheme through Macca's Monopoly where people can peel stickers off food items to win prizes.
Dr Bright is concerned about the use of gambling methods in promotional purposes in apps. McDonald's Australia took its responsibility as an advertiser seriously while adhering to guidelines set out by the Australian Association of National Advertisers and relevant gaming authorities. Hungry Jack's spokesperson said the game was a "fun way" for customers to access special deals. Western Australia's Minister for Information and Communications Technology Stephen Dawson said questions should be directed at the federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
