Facebook New App Offers UK users Real-Time Money Gambling

| Updated: Wednesday, August 8, 2012, 18:06 [IST]

Recently a new app has been launched by Social networking major Facebook along with a UK-based online gambling company Gamesys, which will allow players to stake cash in 90 bingo and slot machine games. Called Bingo Friendzy – the app is marketed with cartoon graphics featuring characters that have been compared to those on Moshi Monsters, the popular children’s social network.

Considered as first-of-its-kind, the app will enable users aged over 18 to engage in games that will get them real cash prizes.

Real-money Gambling

For those who are still unaware of Friendzy app, here are some of the features provided by Friendzy app from Gamesys:

Free bingo tickets can be obtained by playing Friendzy Bonus Games

Extra ball calls will be offered by Friendzy Time which in turn will announce more winners even after the Bingo game is finished

Inviting friends to play with the user will generate enhanced payouts and this can be obtained by inviting friend rewards

With the advanced technologies from Facebook such as age-gating and geo-location technology, the social networking major has ensured that the page content and the newsfeed activity are not visible to those under the age of 18. The application in designed to be compliant to industry standard gambling legislation. With this legislation, users will be provided with self-help tools for limiting their spending and they can also exit from playing these games anytime.

As of now, this app is only available to Facebook users in UK. Facebook has informed that only members who have registered their age as over 18 will be able to access Bingo Friendzy. Moreover, Facebook will take 30 per cent of revenues from Bingo Friendzy, and a host of other gambling apps expected to be introduced in the coming months.

"Real money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the UK, and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner," said a Facebook spokesperson in a BBC report.

Trouble-time for Facebook

The new app has invoked anger among a Christian groups, reportedly who have asked the Advertising Standards Authority to act upon the cartoon graphics marketing stunt.

"Gambling is age-restricted for a reason: children are excluded because they are vulnerable," said Toby Scott, director of communications for the Methodist Church in a report.

Moreover, Scoot concerns were even echoed by the Mother's Union, a Christian charity.

"With the appealing fluffy animal imagery, the site is clearly designed to appeal to a young audience," a spokesman said.

However, in response to the same Facebook has reportedly confirmed that Bingo Friendzy players would be subject to "strict account acceptance controls verifying their identity, and that they are over 18 and located in the UK."