PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — After meeting with Gov. John Kitzhaber, two top Oregon Lottery officials say they’ll postpone the launch of a new Internet game site called The ORcade.
The governor told the officials Tuesday he was concerned that the website’s cartoon graphics and online games could appeal to minors.
In a statement, Lottery Commission Chairman Steven Ungar and Lottery Director Larry Niswender said they’ll hold off on implementing the website until it can be “further reviewed by experts.” They say that review will focus on “assuring all Oregonians that the Lottery is not intentionally or unintentionally targeting anyone under 18 years of age.”
The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/prc3en ) that the decision comes after criticism that the website smacks of the 1980s “Joe Camel” cigarette ad campaign that ended after complaints it was aimed at youngsters.
