iPhone and iPad poker players in Australia have been shocked to know that they can't gamble anymore after PokerStars and 888 poker apps have been removed from the Apple App Store on Saturday. No official statement was issued to explain the sudden disappearance of the popular app games, but PokerStars tweeted that the local government was to blame.

Both apps have been taken down from the Apple app, which sparked outrage from players in the country, demanding answers from the app makers why they suddenly took down the games.

PokerStars responded to one follower's questions, saying that the iOS version of the app has been removed by the local authorities, although the removal doesn't affect the main client.

"Your local authorities are the best point of call for information. As far as we know it's a 'clamp down' on mobile gaming," PokerStars tweeted.

An Apple spokesperson, meanwhile, told News Limited that it had removed the app from its store of its own volition because it did not comply with the online gambling laws of the country.

"Apple complies with all local laws," the rep said.

Australia's Interactive Gambling Act was passed in June 2001, prohibiting online gambling companies to offer their services to Australians. However, it doesn't make it illegal for players to partake in their offered service.

And until the removal of the poker apps from the Apple site, online poker has operated freely without major restrictions.

In April, Senator Dr Richard Di Natale called for Apple to take down PokerStars mobile app, which had been available free for download since May 2012, from their store, saying that Apple has "an obligation to take down apps that are against Australian law."

Both PokerStar and 888 poker apps remain available for download on Android devices.