Shannon Noll is the latest face of Australian poker, but his new pin-up status has been criticised by anti-gambling experts.
Dr Matthew Rockloff from the Central Queensland University says Shannon’s spruiking could have a detrimental effect on his teen fans.
However, Nollsy insists poker is just a bit of fun. The soft rocker claims he has never played for money since he took up the card game 18 months ago.
“It doesn’t cost you anything and it’s a social event so people can get out and talk and meet new people,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Shannon will play a few hands at the Wild Turkey APL Tournament of Champions at Luna Park on Saturday night.
He’ll join more than 220 players, including 2005 Poker World Series champion Joe Hachem, Monaco-based card shark Gus Hansen, Grinspoon’s Pat Davern, and rugby league’s Willie Mason. The unlikely players will compete for a share of $1 million dollars. Not bad for a night out!