Facebook takes first steps into online gambling

Published Aug 7 2012, 15:35 BST  |  By Andrew Laughlin

Facebook is now allowing adults in the UK to play games for real cash prizes on the world's largest social network.

From today (August 7), British Facebook users aged over 18 are able to play Bingo & Slots Friendzy, the new Jackpotjoy application by UK gambling operator Gamesys.

Available from Facebook's new UK App Centre, the Friendzy game allows adult players to win real cash prizes with their friends across 90 Ball Bingo and Slots games.

Gamesys said that players will get "a safe and trusted gaming experience", with various features including Community Progressive Jackpots, which reward everyone playing, and Friendzy Time, offering extra ball calls

Anyone inviting a friend to the game will get enhanced payouts when playing in the same game.

"As the UK's leading online Instant Win and Bingo operator we are committed to extending our products to a wider adult audience," said Jackpotjoy managing director Michael Saunders.

"So we've reinvented our exclusive Bingo and Slots games to appeal to the UK Facebook community. This marks an exciting turning point for the industry and a milestone for the Gamesys business."



In a statement, the company said that Bingo & Slots Friendzy will only be available to Facebook users in the UK aged over 18, and is compliant with all UK regulatory requirements.

A series of account acceptance controls have been put into place to verify the identity and age of players, while a system prevents any updates linked to the game being shown in newsfeeds of anyone under 18, or located outside the UK.

Facebook is taking the first tentative steps into opening up its massive user platform to gambling companies.

Real-money cash games on the network have the potential to bring in massive revenues, particularly from the casual gaming market.

Zynga, the largest gaming partner on Facebook, intends to launch real-money versions of its poker, slots and bingo games next year.

Discussing the launch of Bingo & Slots Friendzy, Facebook EMEA gaming partnerships head Julien Codorniou said: "People love playing new types of games with their friends on Facebook and real money gaming is a popular leisure activity in the UK.

"We're delighted to be working with Gamesys to enable them to offer their games on Facebook so that people can enjoy playing more games with their friends."