Austin News
New lottery game website links to porn 
06:37 PM CDT on Thursday, August 21, 2008
The latest scratch-off game from the Texas Lottery offers more than just a chance to win a $25,000 jackpot. Slingo's website includes profiles that link to pornographic images and includes dozens of online games like poker.
"I represent some folks that are pretty disturbed by this whole thing," said Rob Kohler, with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The Texas Lottery Commission entered into a contract to offer the game, which is played in other states. But it does not link to -- or run -- the website.
"We don't have control over the content," said Bobby Heith, spokesman for the lottery.
The lottery does promote the website as part of its agreement to carry the game.
"If you go to that website, and you go to that community, you may see inappropriate material," Heith said.
Slingo.com offers a social networking feature in which players can make their own profiles. That's where some of the "inappropriate" content appears; players are creating profiles with adult photos or links to porn.
"We'd like to know who thinks this is sound public policy for our state," Kohler said.
Critics are also questioning the online games offered on the Slingo site. Games don't require players to use real money to play, but successful gamers are entered into a daily sweepstakes to win actual cash.
"Those aren't our games," said Heith. "You're not paying anything to play."
Kohler said his group is considering a complaint to the Texas Attorney General's office. Meanwhile the Lottery says to surf the Slingo site with caution.
"If you see anything inappropriate on that website then contact us, or contact Slingo directly," Heath said.
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