A NEW futuristic line of poker machines with Xbox-style graphics will rake in a younger generation of gamblers according to experts.

The hi-tech machines will use better graphics and interactive technology to appeal to junior punters and will be designed to be as versatile as a home computer.

The plan for more sophisticated, hi-tech pokies was canvassed at a recent Future Trends in Gaming conference in Queensland, where major industry organisations outlined their vision to attract younger players.

"I don't think (gaming rooms) are an environment Generation Y wants to be in. They get bored easily," Justin Brown of Aristocrat Leisure Industries told the conference.

"How do we get them into venues? Group activities and games are the way of the future - as are challenges and tournaments."

An Aristocrat spokesman told The Daily Telegraph Mr Brown declined to comment further but confirmed he had made the statements.

Ross Ferrar, from the Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association, backed the plan, saying gaming machines needed to be updated to be more in line with 21st century technology.

"At the end of the day where all this is headed is making the equipment more similar to mass IT equipment," he said.

"Gen Y wants to do things like change the background colour or put their favourite character in."

The plan was condemned by anti-pokie advocates, who said it was a manoeuvre to rope in new gamblers.

"It is fundamental to their business plan to target (Generation Y), there is so much money at stake," World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said.